Wildfires: Why They Are Increasing and How We Can Adapt : ISBN 978-1-6782-1256-8 / eBook: 978-1-6782-1257-5
Kirkus Reviews, February 15, 2026
In this concise narrative, Mooney uses statistics, news excerpts, and commentary from scientists and survivors to explore destructive wildfires, their consequences, and community responses.
Wildfires are on the increase worldwide. The author opens with coverage of recent record-setting destructive fires in California, Canada, and Greece, followed by four chapters: “What Are Wildfires?”, “Why Are Wildfires Increasing?”, “What Are the Consequences of More Frequent, Destructive Wildfires?”, and “How Are Communities Adapting?”. The punchy prose delivers intriguing information (“some pine cones only open and release their seeds when exposed to heat from a fire”) interspersed with attention-grabbing quotations, such as one from a survivor of the 2023 Lahaina fire on Maui: “It’s like a nuclear bomb went off here. There’s nothing left.” Mooney notes the interconnected factors contributing to the uptick in wildfires: Climate change is a major culprit, human activity often plays a role (for example, through accidents, arson, or encroaching on wilderness areas), and environmental factors, like invasive grasses and insects, also have an impact. Some strategies for adapting to this new reality include thoughtful planning and policies for preventing and slowing the spread of fires, effective forest management, and public education. Red borders, subheadings, and callout boxes along with ample photos complement this work on an exciting topic that will be helpful for reports.
A well-written, science-based overview of wildfires. (source notes, for further research, index, picture credits) (Nonfiction. 12-18)
Wildfires: Why They Are Increasing and How We Can Adapt : ISBN 978-1-6782-1256-8 / eBook: 978-1-6782-1257-5
Booklist, May 1, 2026
This reference text by veteran nonfiction writer Mooney starts off with personal stories from survivors of the January 2025 wildfires near Los Angeles, California. These stories and more (most of them from the past 10 years) will resonate not only with those living in fire-prone areas but also those who may not feel the flames but reap the consequences of wildfires in other ways, such as reduced air quality and higher insurance premiums. The primary message reiterated throughout is that climate change causes wildfires to become more frequent and harder to control. Four main chapters break up what could be information overload, and the highlighted quotes pulled from the text make readers pay attention to overall themes. The final chapter offers hope, showing how people in fire-prone areas are taking steps to reduce damage caused by the next wildfire season. Back matter includes thorough source notes, further reading, and an index. A good all-around introduction to an environmental topic that becomes big news during summer.
— Jessica Durham