Lecture on Natural Disasters and Environmental Impact

Natural Disasters and the Environment

Often caused by human activity:
- Dropped cigarettes
- Campfires
- Machinery and electrical malfunctions
- Deliberate ignition
Naturally occurring through lightning
Historically and ecologically part of certain ecosystems, like California
Natural fires tend to be small due to rain accompanying lightning
Serve important ecological functions:
- Clear dead leaves and branches
- Encourage new growth
- Return minerals to the soil
Certain plants are adapted to fire:
- Chaparral shrubs have burls that resprout
- Conifer cones open with heat
- Some wildflowers germinate post-fire

Historical perspective: attempts to suppress fires to protect resources
Fire suppression led to accumulation of debris, causing larger fires
Large fires destroy trees and create disasters by human standards
Management strategies include:
- Removing debris with machinery
- Controlled burns to maintain natural fire cycles

Human population growth is a significant issue
Population milestones noted:
- 6 billion in 1999
- 7 billion in 2013
- Projections of 12 billion by mid-century
Implications include resource scarcity and societal challenges

Technology demands excessive resources and produces waste
Notable issues:
- Fossil fuel use contributing to climate change
- Refrigerants damaging the ozone layer