Climate Crisis Ignites: Why L.A.’s Fires Are a Wake-Up Call

In this episode, we delve into the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, examining the underlying causes and the lessons we can learn. Economics Professor Richard Wolff critiques the blame game often played by political figures and industries, emphasizing instead the systemic issues rooted in profit-driven motives. We explore the impact of climate change and the urgent need for systemic change to prioritize safety over profit. Additionally, we gain insights from Dr. Michael Mann on the scientific community’s understanding of climate change’s role in exacerbating such disasters. The episode also touches on Lakota spirituality with David Little Elk, offering a unique perspective on humanity’s connection to the elements and the importance of respecting nature.

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Fire and Fury: The Profit-Driven Flames of Los Angeles

In this show we confront the root causes of the devastating wildfires that ravaged Los Angeles, exploring the systemic issues that have led to such disasters. Economics Professor Richard Wolff begins by critiquing the blame game often played by political figures and industries, which only serves to distract from the real underlying problems. Instead of pointing fingers, the he emphasizes the need to address our profit-driven society that prioritizes short-term gains over long-term safety and sustainability.

“Capitalism is the problem and getting beyond it is the solution.”  — Professor Richard Wolff

Next we feature Dr. Michael Mann, a renowned climate scientist, to provide insights into how human-caused climate change exacerbates the frequency and intensity of wildfires. He explains that the drier, hotter conditions fueled by climate change are the main underlying factors driving these fires. Dr. Mann warns that without rapid decarbonization and a shift towards clean energy, we will continue to see such catastrophic events unfold.

“It’s climate change, stupid!”  — Dr. Michael Mann

Further we feature a talk given by Lakota Spirituality Teacher David Little Elk, highlighting the interconnectedness of all elements and the importance of respecting Nature. He shares the belief that fire is a sacred entity with its own perspective, urging us to acknowledge and honor it just as we do ourselves. This spiritual viewpoint serves as a reminder of the profound connection between humans and the natural world, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to addressing environmental challenges.

“The fire has a perspective too, and we should acknowledge it, respect it, and honor it.”  — David Little Elk

STORY: Cultural Fire: Native Land Management and Regeneration

As we grapple with the consequences of climate change, this episode calls for systemic change in how we organize production and prioritize safety over profit. Professor Wolff argues that capitalism, with its profit-driven motives, is at the heart of the problem, and that moving beyond it is essential to creating a safer, more sustainable future.

“There is no amount of adaptive capacity that will allow us to deal with these sorts of crises if we continue to make them worse by warming the planet even more.”  — Dr. Michael Mann

With powerful insights from both science and spirituality, this episode challenges us to rethink our relationship with the environment and take meaningful action to prevent future disasters. Listen now to gain a deeper understanding of the issues at play and the steps we can take to create a more resilient world.

STORY: Rising from the Ashes: Wildfire Resilience for Los Angeles and Beyond

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Sources:
Wolff Responds: “The Lesson California’s Fires Should Teach Us” Dated January 15, 2025 from Democracy at Work
https://x.com/profwolff/status/1879582067283132509

Michael Mann on SiriusXM with Zerlina Maxwell Discussing California Wildfires (JAN 13 2025)

https://youtu.be/bH4bWFON–Y?si=u0avZazGFoqFaU2x

David Little Elk Lakota Spirituality Fire People

https://youtu.be/n6bCO6_g7LM?si=ggho-tLq4Hp0dRhA

Richard D. Wolff [https://www.rdwolff.com/] is Professor of Economics Emeritus, University of Massachusetts, Amherst and is currently a Visiting Professor in the Graduate Program in International Affairs of the New School University, New York City. Prof Wolff is the co-founder of Democracy at Work [https://www.democracyatwork.info/] and host of their nationally syndicated show Economic Update.

Dr. Michael E. Mann [https://michaelmann.net/] is Presidential Distinguished Professor in the Department of Earth and Environmental Science at the University of Pennsylvania, with a secondary appointment in the Annenberg School for Communication. He also serves as Vice Provost for Climate Science, Policy, and Action and Director of the Penn Center for Science, Sustainability, and the Media (PCSSM).

David Little Elk, [https://wolakota7.com/] an Itazipco-Sicangu Lakota Sioux, is a Lakota Language and Spirituality Teacher, and a Spiritual Advisor and Consultant.

Jack Eidt is an urban planner, environmental journalist, and climate organizer, as well as award-winning fiction writer. He is Co-Founder of SoCal 350 Climate Action and Executive Producer of EcoJustice Radio. He writes a column on PBS SoCal called High & Dry [https://www.pbssocal.org/people/high-dry]. He is also Founder and Publisher of WilderUtopia [https://wilderutopia.com], a website dedicated to the question of Earth sustainability, finding society-level solutions to environmental, community, economic, transportation and energy needs.

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Executive Producer and Host: Jack Eidt
Engineer and Original Music: Blake Quake Beats
Episode 246
Photo credit: Josh Field via Pexels

Updated 12 February 2025

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