E114: The California Fires: An Expert's Insight w/ Dr. Mark Schwartz

In this episode, environmental scientist Dr. Mark Schwartz joins us to unpack the devastating California wildfires, which have already destroyed over 12,000 structures and displaced more than 100,000 residents. Schwartz explains why these fires were predictable, how the state’s geography and housing patterns fuel the crisis, and why most proposed solutions—from controlled burns to home hardening—face major political and regulatory obstacles.

-Guest Info: Dr. Mark Schwartz, Professor Emeritus, UC Davis

We discuss:

• The difference between Northern and Southern California fire risk
• Why LA’s chaparral makes fires fast and unmanageable
• The real economics behind fire suppression vs. prevention
• How outdated zoning and insurance rules keep people in harm’s way
• Why individual and community action may be more effective than top-down policy

Dr. Schwartz also offers hopeful insights into grassroots strategies that could finally shift the paradigm—and why now is the narrow window to act.

• 📺Watch the full podcast on YouTube➡️https://youtu.be/KvgDcJre_ww

🎙 The Pod is hosted by Jesse Wright
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