President-elect Donald Trump’s energy policies could worsen future wildfires, several environmental science professors told Newsweek on Sunday.
Why It MattersWildfires devastated Southern California this past week, resulting in 16 deaths and the destruction of thousands of homes. While climate change does not directly cause wildfires, it amplifies their frequency and intensity.
Trump and his supporters have criticized California’s Democratic leaders, including Governor Gavin Newsom, for contributing to the destruction in Los Angeles County. Meanwhile, Trump has pledged to dismantle President Joe Biden’s clean energy initiatives, which he derides as a “green new scam,” and to boost oil and gas production with his “Drill, baby, drill” agenda upon assuming office on January 20.
What To KnowTrump has previously referred to climate change as a “hoax” and, during his 2024 campaign, frequently cast doubt on its validity, including making inaccurate statements about sea level rise.
"Trump’s dismissal of climate science is concerning," Robert Wilson, an associate professor at Syracuse University’s Geography and Environment Department, told Newsweek. “He has shown no acknowledgment that climate change exacerbates wildfires.” Wilson added that this attitude signals a lack of commitment to addressing climate threats, particularly those linked to wildfires.
‘Direct Line’ Between Fossil Fuel Use and WildfiresJacob Bendix, professor emeritus at Syracuse University, explained how Trump's energy policies could create conditions ideal for wildfires.
“The increased reliance on fossil fuels Trump advocates will worsen wildfire issues. Large fires thrive in dry, hot conditions,” Bendix stated. “We know that burning fossil fuels adds greenhouse gases to the atmosphere, which raises temperatures and increases drought frequency. This establishes a direct connection between fossil fuel policies and wildfire risks.”
‘Speculation’ Surrounding Trump’s Energy PoliciesJames Clark, a distinguished environmental science professor at Duke University, offered a less definitive perspective.
“There’s speculation about what Trump’s energy policies will entail,” he said. “While his team appears focused on promoting fossil fuels, they may also consider a broader energy strategy. Nevertheless, anything that increases greenhouse gas emissions will exacerbate wildfires.”
Key figures in Trump’s incoming administration, including Lee Zeldin for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Doug Burgum for the Department of the Interior, could influence the direction of these policies.
Other Contributing FactorsBeyond energy policies, inadequate use of prescribed fires—controlled burns designed to remove flammable materials—has worsened conditions. Tahra Jirari, director of economic analysis at the Chamber of Progress, told Newsweek that “if prescribed fires had been conducted at the necessary scale, the damage would have been mitigated.”
What People Are SayingTrump wrote on Truth Social: “Governor Gavin Newscum refused to sign the water restoration declaration that would have allowed excess rain and snowmelt to flow into areas now burning apocalyptically.” He accused Newsom of prioritizing the Delta smelt, a small fish, over Californians' needs.
Izzy Gardon, Newsom’s communications director, responded: “There is no such document as the water restoration declaration. The Governor is focused on protecting people and ensuring firefighters have the resources they need.”
President Joe Biden said on Tuesday, “I’m being briefed on the west Los Angeles wildfires. Federal assistance has been offered to support suppression efforts.”
What Happens NextFire crews are tirelessly battling the California wildfires. As of Sunday, the Palisades fire has burned 23,713 acres and is 11 percent contained. The Eaton fire has consumed 14,117 acres with 27 percent containment, while the Hurst fire has burned 799 acres and is 89 percent contained.
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