Carbon emissions from forest fires increased more than 60% globally over the past two decades, according to a recent study published in the journal Science. As governments, the private sector, and nonprofits prepare for the largest climate-focused convenings in the world and promote the 30×30 initiative to protect 30% of the Earth’s land and marine areas by 2030, strategies for cultivating wildfire resilience must be prioritized. This calls for more than just protection; it requires adaptation and land management.

Biodiversity conservation plays a key role in wildfire resilience. Healthy, diverse ecosystems are more resilient to wildfires, as balanced plant and animal communities prevent any single species from dominating the landscape. This reduces the risk of large-scale fires and highlights another compelling reason for companies to invest in climate adaptation and resilience.

Catalina Island offers a critical case study. The 2007 Island Fire burned 4,750 acres, and while the island escaped wildfires last summer, the threat persists. Lauren Dennhardt, Ph.D., senior director of conservation, emphasizes land restoration is critical to the island’s chances of continuing to beat the odds.

“It is well established in the scientific literature that invasive plant species tend to increase the frequency of fires in Southern California. If you can’t create a more biodiverse ecosystem, you create a positive feedback loop leading to more frequent fires,” said Dennhardt. “On Catalina Island, we can’t restore ecosystems while mule deer are present as they rarely eat invasive annual grasses and end up eating more fire-resilient shrubs. Eventually, this leads to frequent fires and a conversion of our ecosystems from shrublands to fire-prone grasslands.”

How Land Restoration Helps Prevent Fires

Land restoration enhances wildfire resilience by addressing the root causes of fire vulnerability. Key strategies include:

Removing Invasive Species: Non-native grasses, which often thrive after disturbances, act as fire accelerants. Replacing these with native plants slows the spread of fire and improves soil stability.

Restoring Natural Vegetation: Shrubs and trees native to an area not only resist burning but also retain moisture, further decreasing fire risks.

Reducing Human-Introduced Pressures: Removing populations of non-native animals, such as mule deer on Catalina Island, allows native ecosystems to regenerate.

Land restoration is more than an ecological necessity, it is a vital component of wildfire resilience. With the impacts of climate change accelerating, investing in biodiversity and natural landscapes offers a practical solution to mitigate wildfire risks. Tackling invasive species and prioritizing native ecosystems must be at the forefront of wildfire management strategies. Through coordinated efforts, we can build landscapes that are not only resilient to wildfires but also rich in biodiversity and ecological health.