Letter: The more wildfires, the more CO2

LODOGA, CA – AUGUST 07: Cal Fire firefighters monitor a back fire as they battle the Medocino Complex fire on August 7, 2018 near Lodoga, California. The Mendocino Complex Fire, which is made up of the River Fire and Ranch Fire, has surpassed the Thomas Fire to become the largest wildfire in California state history with over 280,000 acres charred and at least 75 homes destroyed. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

The more wildfires,
the more CO2

Re: “Fight California wildfires with a federal carbon tax” (Letters to the editor, Aug. 15):

In her Aug. 15 letter, Catherine Percival suggests wildfires will worsen if CO2 levels continue to increase.

It is true that CO2 levels are dangerously high and getting worse, and also true that wildfires and CO2 levels are closely linked. However, to be clear: CO2 does not support combustion; it is the result of combustion. Thus, wildfires produce CO2. The more fire, the more CO2. It does not work in reverse. Increased CO2 does not promote fire danger in and of itself.

As for the rest of her argument, be it by carbon tax or some other means, I agree we must reduce CO2. But don’t make the mistake of thinking you will reduce the danger of wildfires by reducing CO2.

Eugene Paschal
Danville

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