Controlled burns and dam repairs may help protect California from dangerous weather

Smoke and flames rise from the mountains in Pescadero, California, United States on August 19, 2020. Multiple large lightning strikes on August 16 caused fires in southern San Mateo County and northern Santa Cruz County.

Smoke and flames rise from the mountains in Pescadero, California, United States on August 19, 2020. Multiple large lightning strikes on August 16 caused fires in southern San Mateo County and northern Santa Cruz County. Photo by Yichuan Cao/Sipa USA.

Climate change is exacerbating extreme weather in California, from wildfires to storms. A new study from Stanford University outlines the benefits of intentionally burning off dry vegetation to help prevent huge wildfires. And recent research from UCLA says California is likely to see a massive flood within 40 years due to dramatic weather fluctuations.

From this Episode:

Credits

Host:

Madeleine Brand

Producers:

Sarah Sweeney, Michell Eloy, Amy Ta, Rosalie Atkinson, Brian Hardzinski, Angie Perrin, Kathryn Barnes, Nihar Patel