As the California wildfires reach epic proportions, we mourn the tragic loss for so many residents and businesses and, if we can, donate to relief efforts that might ease the pain of those affected. We have seen such disasters before but not to this extent.
The same might be said for losses related to floods, hurricanes, mudslides and other natural disasters. As we know, the frequency and severity of these events will significantly increase as our climate warms. Yet, once the immediate danger subsides, we humans insist on rebuilding in high risk zones: dry forest canyons, barrier islands, floodplains and coastal lowlands, among others.
The drive to restore one's home and community is understandable but how many rounds will occur before we abandon these areas? Santa Ana winds, severe hurricanes, extensive flooding, prolonged drought and wildfires will continue to occur and their effects will only worsen. Perhaps it is time to face reality and restrict construction in high risk terrain; while some disasters, such as tornados, might ravage any city or community, others are predictable, based on regional weather patterns, ecology and topography.
