In the heart of the Pacific Ocean lies a paradise of unparalleled beauty and serenity – the enchanting state of Hawaii. But today, the aloha spirit that has long defined these islands faces an unprecedented challenge, as wildfires ravage through the landscapes of Maui and the Big Island. As the flames scorch the earth and the skies are painted with plumes of smoke, the resilience and unity of the Hawaiian people shine as a beacon of hope amidst the devastation.
Hawaii has experienced wildfires, but the past few days marked some of its worst in history. On the 8th of August 2023, “Hurricane Dora,” characterized by strong winds and dry weather, exacerbated the flames along Hawaii’s coast. Scientists noted a 90% decrease in rainfall compared to a century ago, with the period since 2008 being notably dry. Additionally, this year’s record high temperatures are anticipated to lead to a strong Atlantic hurricane season. Although wildfires were once rare, recent updates reveal around 89 lives lost.
Dear humanity, let us awaken from the shadows of our nightmares and reflect on the path we’ve walked over a century. As we embrace history’s arms, we should question whether our actions have wounded the very heart of Mother Gaia*, who nurtured us. The term “Hawaii” usually evokes images of tropical beaches, palm trees, luaus, and relaxation.
Yet, today, Hawaii resembles a war-torn land, an unimaginable sight. The faint cries of Gaia grew louder last week, reflecting our senselessness as mankind.
Let us heed the wake-up call that Hawaii’s plight brings to our doorstep. As we stand at this crossroads, we must choose a path of unity, responsibility, and hope. Our shared planet is a precious gift, and it’s within our power to mend the wounds we’ve inflicted upon it.
Even though social teams try and raise awareness about global warming, which leads to wildfires, sometimes the world doesn’t heed their voices. Global warming contributes to more frequent and intense wildfires, and the example of the Hawaii wildfire illustrates this danger.
As temperatures rise due to global warming, they create drier and hotter conditions, making vegetation more sensitive to ignition. Addressing global warming is crucial to mitigate the increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires in places like Hawaii and around the world.
*Greek Goddess of Earth/Mother of all life
