The Environment Magazine

Arnold Qi
Quarry Lane School, Dublin, CA 94568

California is one of the most vulnerable states to the threat of wildfires due to its dry climate, low precipitation, and arid vegetation. However, the frequency and severity of wildfires have increased in recent years due to a rise in temperatures. The recent heat waves are mostly caused by high-pressure systems. A high-pressure system is an area that has higher air pressure than the areas around it, and it’s caused by air cooling and sinking. Although high-pressure systems are usually associated with calm and stable weather, they also cause heat waves. High-pressure systems also cause clear skies, and with less clouds comes dry conditions.

Figure 1.  High Pressure Systems Diagram (Source: accuweather.com ) 

High-pressure systems can also initiate air stagnation, a process that builds up pollutants and significantly affects air quality. This happens when atmospheric conditions created by high-pressure systems prevent vertical mixing of air, which traps pollutants closer to the ground. During periods of air stagnation, pollutants build up from vehicles, fossil fuels, and burning organic matter. This creates smog and reduces visibility, and combined with the lack of wind and low movement in the atmosphere makes high-pressure systems dangerous.

Prolonged air stagnation also leads to the development of ground-level ozone, a harmful air pollutant. This forms when nitrogen oxide and volatile organic compounds from vehicles, power plants, or fossil fuels react in the sunlight. 

Figure 2. Air Stagnation Diagram (source: accuweather.com)

Health impacts from air stagnation can be substantial and sometimes permanent. Short-term exposure to high levels of air pollution can cause irritations, headaches, and respiratory problems such as coughing and shortness of breath. Long-term exposure can lead to asthma, bronchitis, cardiovascular issues, and sometimes even death. In order to lessen the exposure to air pollution, people should wear masks, drink more water, and stay indoors. 

During times of extreme heat, utility companies such as PG&E implement power shutoffs known as Public Safety Power Shut Offs (PSPS) to reduce the risk of wildfires. These power shut offs disrupt the power supply to a certain area or region of people, but for a good reason. Extreme heat can cause electrical equipment to overheat and malfunction, creating sparks and potentially igniting a wildfire. The downside of PSPS is that individuals who do not own solar panels or any type of backup generator will be greatly affected. In especially hot weather, without A/C or the ability to cook, they could face significant discomfort and have potential health risks.

Figure 3. PG&E Power Lines Shut Off Due To Heat (source: ktvl.com)

Extreme heat has also been a factor that is damaging the environment in California. Heat can cause dry conditions which contribute to constant droughts in the state, reducing water availability and potentially killing species. Wildfires also become more frequent and intense because of this. Recent wildfires in California have been going on, including one on July 22, 2024, which led to 6 homes being ravaged and 7 homes being completely destroyed. This issue has also affected my community, more specifically about 3 years ago. Wildfires near my community were forcing people to evacuate and caused our outside air quality to plummet. In order to solve this issue, individuals could travel by walking instead of driving, reducing the use of fossil fuels and industrial emissions.

References

“Ground-Level Ozone (O3) Pollution | ADEQ Arizona Department of Environmental Quality.” http://Www.azdeq.gov, http://www.azdeq.gov/ground-level-ozone-o3-pollution#:~:text=Ground%2Dlevel%20ozone%20or%20the.

News, A. B. C. “No End in Sight as Record-Breaking Heat Wave Continues.” ABCNews, abcnews.go.com/US/record-breaking-heat-blankets-west-end-sight/story?id=111777019.

Press, Associated. “Wildfires Plague the West amid a Scorching Heat Wave and High Winds.” WJHL, WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather, 23 July 2024, http://www.wjhl.com/news/national/ap-wildfires-plague-the-west-amid-a-scorching-heat-wave-homes-burn-in-southern-california/. 

“Smog and Health-Historical Info.” Aqmd.gov, 2019, http://www.aqmd.gov/home/research/publications/smog-and-health-historical-info.