Editor’s note: The following is a letter to the editor. The opinions expressed in this letter are those of the writer, and do not necessarily reflect those of The Mendocino Voice. If you would like to submit a letter to the editor feel free to write to info@mendovoice.com.Â
Dear Editor:
Earth is the third planet from the sun, the only known planet to harbor life, and a unique ocean world with liquid water on its surface. It is the fifth largest planet in our solar system. Earth’s atmosphere is primarily composed of nitrogen and oxygen, and it protects the planet from harmful solar radiation and other space objects. So why, you have to ask, are burns allowed?
These prescribed burns are polluting the environment! When we burn, we are introducing contaminants into the natural environment that cause harm. Pollution sources, such as prescribed burns, have widespread consequences on human and environmental health. These particulates are released into the atmosphere. These burns are a danger to the population and to the earth!
The carbon released from wildfires can add to greenhouse gas concentration. Burns release large amounts of carbon dioxide, black and brown carbon particles, and ozone precursors such as volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxides into the atmosphere. These emissions affect radiation, clouds, and climate on regional and even global scales.
The health effects of wildfire smoke, such as worsening cardiovascular and respiratory conditions, extend beyond immediate exposure, contributing to nearly 16,000 annual deaths, a number expected to rise to 30,000 by 2050. The economic impact is also significant, with projected costs reaching $240 billion annually by 2050, surpassing other climate-related damages.
While other people claim that controlled burns and a policy of allowing some wildfires to burn is the cheapest method and an ecologically appropriate policy for many forests, they don’t take into account the economic value of resources that are consumed by the fire, especially merchantable timber.
In Northern California, goat herds have been used in many communities to reduce the amount of fire fuels on the outskirts of those communities. It is estimated that 60-80,000 goats were thus employed by 2024.
Wildfire prevention policies must consider the role that humans play in burns.
Gino N. Zalunardo
Willits, Calif.
Saw the prescribed burns along 101 near Ukiah. Brilliant idea! Most fires, especially along roadways, are started by idiots throwing burning materials from vehicles. Preburning prevents large vegetation fires and saves money on firefighting. Good job!
Much better to regulate thise pollutants to a little bit here and there rather than the amount that was released in 2017 The major differences are quantity being released and severity of the pollutants. Prescribed Burns consist of grass and trees. Wildfires such as 2017 include: Grass, Trees, Automobiles and all their plastic and rubber as well as houses and all of the pollutants from within. This guy is about as unintelligent as they come…
Actually not factually true, most fires are started by accidentally, with mechanical causes such as trailer chains, mowing, debris burning
Oh my God what an extremely low IQ take.
Don’t forget to wipe up your drool.
The atmosphere doesn’t not protect earth from solar radiation.
Earth’s magnosphere is what protects from solar radiation.
Go back to ninth grade earth science glass.
Goats make better BBQ sandwiches
There’s an ecological function of intermittent fire in our Mediterranean climate. It’s practice disappeared post
Colonization and now the wildfires burn the forests down. California always burned 3 million acres yearly but the fires intensity was low.
I do think grazing can be a proxy and you are right it can pollute and destroy , but overall I think spending time researching Margot Robbin’s and the indigenous history of right here would reveal some things that are overlooked
These are different times & to rely on the past is romantic. Goats don’t start fires. One spark and all is gone.