Infernos of orange and crimson have engulfed parts of California, leaving a path of destruction in their wake \u2014 destroyed homes, displaced families and a heavy pall of smoke darkening the skies.<\/p>\n\n
These harrowing images drive home the existence of climate change and underscore the need for global preparedness. The fires, which have destroyed thousands of homes and displaced tens of thousands of residents, are a stark reminder that no country is immune to the escalating climate crisis. And since some people still seem to want to sow doubt on the subject: yes, climate change was a major factor<\/a> behind the hot, dry weather that gave rise to the devastating LA fires.<\/p>\n\n For my home country South Africa, the parallels to its own wildfires are striking.<\/p>\n\n