California is burning — again. The relentless infernos tearing through the Los Angeles area are a haunting reminder of the state’s growing vulnerability to climate disasters. As of Friday, these fires have scorched more than 35,000 acres, claimed at least 10 lives, destroyed thousands of structures and displaced more than 180,000 residents. While news of devastating wildfires has become distressingly familiar, the deeper crisis lies in California’s inability — or unwillingness — to shift from reactive firefighting to proactive problem-solving.
But let’s not make the mistake of thinking this is solely California’s problem. The wildfires are a chilling symbol of a broader issue: the cascading impacts of climate change across the United States and the globe. What is happening in Los Angeles today could just as easily happen in Montana, Texas or New York tomorrow, whether through wildfires, hurricanes or flash floods. It’s not just a cautionary tale for California — it’s a warning to all of us.
Political responses to these disasters often feel like an endless loop of blame and deflection. President-elect Donald Trump recently criticized California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s wildfire prevention strategies, zeroing in on forest management failures. Trump suggested that Newsom prioritized environmental symbolism over tangible action, even accusing him of choosing to protect an endangered fish over allocating water to fight fires. Newsom, meanwhile, has continued to point to climate change as the root cause, arguing that a lack of federal collaboration and resources hinders the state’s ability to act comprehensively.
But as a member of Gen Z, I’m left questioning why our leaders are still pointing fingers when solutions are staring us in the face. California is pouring billions of dollars into forest management and firefighting technology, yet these efforts are consistently outpaced by the sheer scale of the problem. Prolonged drought and heat waves — symptoms of a warming planet — have created perfect conditions for infernos that no amount of investment can fully contain.
The state’s housing crisis adds another layer of complexity. A recent report by the nonprofit newsroom CalMatters revealed that affordable housing developments in fire-prone areas face increasing scrutiny, legal hurdles and public opposition. This isn’t just about homes burning down; it’s about systemic inequalities that force lower-income families to live in dangerous areas while wealthier communities are better protected. Wildfires don’t just destroy landscapes; they expose and exacerbate the inequities embedded in our systems.
So what do we do? First, we must change how we build our communities. Urban planning must prioritize safety, resilience and sustainability. We need to stop development from sprawling into high-risk zones and start investing in smarter housing solutions that can withstand climate disasters. For instance, fire-resistant materials, defensible spaces and stricter building codes could save lives and homes.
Second, we need to acknowledge that forest management is not enough. Controlled burns and vegetation thinning are critical, but they are Band-Aid solutions for a problem driven by a warming planet. Climate change isn’t an abstract concept — it’s here, it’s now and it’s fueling disasters such as these wildfires. California, and the nation, must double down on renewable energy transitions, sustainable agriculture and policies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Finally, we need bold leadership — leadership that isn’t afraid to act decisively, think in the long term and make unpopular choices if they are the right ones. The blame game is not leadership; it’s theater. Politicians at all levels must recognize that climate disasters don’t care about party lines. They demand a united front, with federal, state and local governments working in unison.
As a young person watching this unfold, it’s hard for me not to feel a sense of urgency — and outrage. We are inheriting a world on fire, literally and figuratively. The inaction of older generations has put us on this trajectory, but we can’t afford to dwell on that. Instead, we must demand action and accountability, not just in California but everywhere.
This isn’t just about wildfires. It’s about hurricanes flooding the streets of Florida, tornadoes tearing through the Midwest and rising sea levels threatening coastal cities. Los Angeles is just one of many frontline battles in a global crisis. What happens there is a test for how we’ll respond to the threats of climate change to come.
California stands at a crossroads. It can either continue down a cycle of erratic solutions and political disputes or become a leader of innovation, resilience and hope for all. The choice it makes will ripple far beyond its borders.
Young people will be living with the consequences of these decisions for decades to come. The time for transformative action isn’t just now — it’s long overdue.
If California rises to the challenge, perhaps it will inspire the rest of us to do the same. If it doesn’t, we’ll all be left to face the flames.
Abhinav Anne is a youth advocate leading environmental initiatives in organizations including YOUNGO, the Climate Reality Project, Climate TRACE and the World Wildlife Federation. He also serves as director of research at the youth-led nonprofit Climate Cardinals.
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