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Claremont McKenna College

Publication Date

Fall 2023

Program Name

Portugal: Sustainability and Environmental Justice

Abstract

Escalating wildfire occurrences in Europe, particularly in the southern Mediterranean region, are presenting significant challenges to socioeconomic, environmental, and ecosystem services. The increasing frequency and severity of these wildfires are straining resources and emphasizing the need for a better understanding of the relationship between suppression capacity and fire behavior in wildfire management. The following research addresses the urgent need for more proactive, knowledge-based, and technologically driven fire management strategies, throughout all four stages of wildfire response – fuel and land management, fire preparedness, fire suppression, and post-fire management. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly significant in climate change adaptation, especially regarding wildfire science and management. The integration of AI techniques, such as machine learning, showcases a promising avenue for enhancing preparedness, detection, and response to wildfires, highlighting the broader potential of advanced technology in addressing environmental challenges. While AI holds promising potential for enhancing preparedness, detection, and response to wildfires, it is still in the early stages of development and presents obstacles and limitations to full implementation. Despite demonstrated successes in wildfire preparedness and suppression, such as through the World Economic Forum’s FireAId initiative, further research is essential to minimize potential negative consequences associated with this evolving technology.

Disciplines

Artificial Intelligence and Robotics | Climate | Emergency and Disaster Management | Fire Science and Firefighting | Forest Management

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