Petra T. Buergelt

Ensuring that we can see the wood and the trees: growing the capacity for ecological wildfire risk management

Abstract This chapter discusses the need to view wildfire risk management as an activity that is embedded in the relationships that exist between people and forest environments. It outlines the issues that need to be accommodated to develop holistic approaches to wildfire risk management that can facilitate more harmonious ways of social coexistence with forest environments. This chapter discusses the causes of wildfire, how causes will change over time, the consequences that need to be predicted and managed, and the need to develop risk management strategies that accommodate the perspectives of all stakeholders in a context in which social (e.g., social development in wildland–urban interface areas) and environmental (e.g., climate change) contributions are creating a progressively more complex risk scape. How this can be accomplished is discussed in the context of the lessons that can be learned from integrating interdisciplinary perspectives on the causes, consequences, and systematic management of wildfires.

Wildfires: International Perspectives on Their Social—Ecological Implications

This chapter introduces the fact that of the several natural hazards contemporary communities may encounter, the complex interdependencies that exist between people and the forest sources of wildfire hazards make wildfire a unique hazard. It then proceeds to provide an overview of how historical patterns of interdependence between people and forests coupled with recent trends in population growth and their encroachment on forest environments for lifestyle and recreation are increasing risk. Next, it outlines a social–ecological approach to framing and managing wildfire risk and discusses environmental, ecological, and social factors that play complementary roles in the development and thus the management of wildfire risk. The chapter introduces international case studies that discuss the historical, social, cultural, and ecological aspects of wildfire risk management in countries with a long history of dealing with this hazard (e.g., United States and Australia) and in countries (e.g., Taiwan) where wildfire hazards represent a new and growing threat to the social and ecological landscape.

Wildfires: An Australian Perspective

In Australia, wildfires are an inevitable part of the ecosystem. The wildfire risk is growing due to climate change and demographic shifts. This chapter outlines the extent and impact of wildfires, sketches historical developments and issues, examines frameworks created by legislations and institutions, and reviews inquiries, research, and education-building capacity and capability. Although Australia has made great progress in building its competence to effectively respond, current arrangements are insufficient for meeting the increasingly “wicked” problems posed by wildfires. Agreeing with Einstein that we cannot solve problems by using the same kind of thinking that created them, Australia recognizes that a new kind of thinking is required to successfully live with wildfire risk. We conclude with suggestions of how to transform the mindsets of citizens and players involved in ways that enable them to solve difficult problems and to effectively manage in a complex and rapidly changing environment.