Information on Maui wildfires and ways to help
Lahaina, Hawai‘i, on Aug. 13, 2023. (Mengshin Lin for The Washington Post)
It is with heavy hearts that we continue to hear about the tragedy that has hit Maui. The unfolding news of the devastating fires has left us all deeply affected, as we witness the separation, loss, and uncertainty faced by our friends and loved ones.
During this catastrophic and traumatic time on Maui and across the Hawaiian Islands, many are seeking to understand the factors that led to the destructive wildfires. While there is still much that remains unknown, SOEST and University of Hawai‘i scientists have shared with local and national news outlets the current understanding of how atmospheric, environmental, and historical conditions contributed to the tragedy. Below is a list of links to some of that information.
Fire exposes flaws in Hawaii’s defenses against climate shocks in The New York Times
with Chip Fletcher, SOEST interim Dean and professor of Earth sciences
Why Hawaii’s wildfires are so devastating — and ‘predictable’ in the Washington Post
with Alison Nugent, associate professor of atmospheric sciences
The role climate change has played in Hawaii’s devastating wildfires on National Public Radio
with Giuseppe Torri, assistant professor of atmospheric sciences
How severe weather fanned the flames in Lāhainā, and what to expect in the future on Hawai’i Public Radio
with Chip Fletcher, SOEST interim Dean and professor of Earth sciences
Maui’s fire became deadly fast. Climate change, flash drought, invasive grass and more fueled it on Associated Press
with Pao-Shin Chu, professor of atmospheric sciences and Hawai‘i State Climatologist
Complex origins of the Maui wildfire: Colonialism and climate change in The Messenger
with Chip Fletcher, SOEST interim Dean and professor of Earth sciences
Maui fires not just due to climate change but a ‘compound disaster’ in the Washington Post
with Alison Nugent, associate professor of atmospheric sciences
What fuels Hawaiʻi wildfires? UH expert explains on UH News
with Clay Trauernicht, UH Mānoa wildfire expert
Devastating Hawaii fires made ‘much more dangerous’ by climate change in The Guardian
with Pao-Shin Chu, professor of atmospheric sciences and Hawai‘i State Climatologist
In these trying times, it is crucial that we stand together as an ‘ohana, providing solace, support, and compassion to one another. We extend our heartfelt condolences to those who have suffered losses and express our deepest empathy for those grappling with the uncertainty of the situation.
How to help Maui ʻohana affected by wildfires on UH News
List of organizations accepting donations