Assessing the Economic Resilience and Adaptation Strategies of the United States in the Face of Escalating Wildfire Frequency and Intensity Due to Climate Change

Abstract

Wildfire is an annual disaster in the United States (US) that has greatly impacted the economy cutting across many states. The influence of climate change has further resulted in the frequency and intensity of wildfires in the country such that there is a need for constant assessment of economic resilience to the fire and the adaptation strategies employed in the country over the years. The objective of the study is to assess the economic resilience and adaptation strategies of the country at the instance of wildfire frequency and intensity of occurrence over time. A mixed-method approach was employed in the study using quantitative and qualitative methods to interpret and analyze data retrieved through secondary sources. The study revealed that though there were efforts made by the government to strengthen the economy and institute formidable strategies, wildfires have continued to occur in the country which made government agencies commit more funds to the event to suppress the escalation over the years. It was recommended that the government and other agencies could do more to motivate other sectors for growth and financial sustenance.

Keywords: wildfire, economic resilience, adaptation strategy, climate change, wildfire frequency, wildfire intensity.

DOI: 10.7176/JESD/15-8-01

Publication date: September 30th 2024