Debates on Draft: Wildfire in California
Thank you to everyone who joined us for Debates on Draft last night! Despite the hot evening, nearly 100 community members gathered at Validation Ale for drinks and a spirited debate over the statement: “Wildfire should be embraced as a normal part of life in California.”
NCEAS Director Ben Halpern argued against the statement, while UC Cooperative Extension Wildfire Specialist, Max Moritz, argued in favor. The two explored what “normal” means when living in fire-prone landscapes, how we should approach our relationship with fire in a rapidly warming world, and more!
Audience members, ranging from engaged community members to local firefighters, joined the conversation by asking thoughtful questions and voting on whether Californians should embrace the normalcy of fire. At the start of the evening, the audience largely sided with Moritz, with 87% agreeing with the statement and 13% disagreeing. By the end of the debate, however, the margin had narrowed considerably, with 55% agreeing and 45% disagreeing.
While the audience ultimately sided with Moritz, Halpern swayed the most minds, earning the win for the evening. More importantly, attendees left with a deeper understanding of wildfire preparedness and what it means to coexist with wildfire.
A special thank you to Validation Ale for hosting us, our debaters, and to our partner for Debates on Draft, UCSB Affiliates. We look forward to seeing you next quarter!
Have an idea for our next debate topic or event feedback? Fill out the form below and let us know!
Debates on Draft Feedback Form
Want to learn more about ongoing wildfire work at NCEAS? Click the link below to explore our Wildfire Resilience Index!
Wildfire Resilience Index Website
