Is there a connection between climate change and wildfires? Kevin Trenberth, Senior Scientist at the National Center for Atmospheric Research, explains that "Global warming does not cause wildfires ... global warming exacerbates the conditions and raises the risk of wildfire."

To understand why this is the case, we must understand the energy imbalance of the planet. To find out more about the Earth's energy imbalance and why it is important, read Kevin's blog article. A WCRP Workshop 'The Earth’s Energy Imbalance and its Implications' will take place from 13 – 16 November 2018 in Toulouse, France, to initiate a new WCRP-wide activity on the Earth’s energy imbalance.

NASA fires

A satellite image of the Carr Fire in California (NASA).