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Nature Conservancy Statement on California Wildfires

January 21, 2025 | Arlington, VA

Wildland firefighters in silhouette against blaze.
Choose It. Or Lose It. A fire crew at an operation near Butte Meadows, California, at the Dixie Fire. July, 2021. The operation lasted into the evening and overnight and created miles of defensible fireline to try and stop the fire. While the town of Butte Meadows was saved, the fire moved along a few days later to the north. Firing operations are typically conducted overnight when conditions are more manageable. As of the time that this photo was taken, the Dixie Fire was one of the largest wildfires in California state history. The intensity of recent wildfires have been fueled by extreme conditions caused by climate change. © Stuart Palley

Statement from Jennifer Morris, CEO of The Nature Conservancy, issued the following statement regarding the devastating wildfires in California:

"Our hearts go out to the people of Los Angeles who have been impacted by the wildfires. The loss of life, property, and community is shocking and heartbreaking. We thank the first responders and many brave community members for their efforts in battling these fires as well as evacuating people out of harm’s way. And we are all moved by how the community has come together to support each another through this difficult time.

Though numerous factors may be behind catastrophic fires like these, climate change is only making them worse. The Nature Conservancy is dedicated to working alongside our partners to mitigate the impacts of climate change and foster safer, more resilient communities and landscapes."

The Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. We are tackling climate change, conserving lands, waters and oceans at an unprecedented scale, providing food and water sustainably and helping make cities more sustainable. The Nature Conservancy is working to make a lasting difference around the world in 81 countries and territories (40 by direct conservation impact and 41 through partners) through a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners. To learn more, visit nature.org or follow @nature_press on X.

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