1024x575.jpg?resize=1024%2C575" alt="" class="wp-image-6249">

During our lifetime we will encounter a variety of short to long-term disasters. The form the problem takes will vary depending on where we live, and how widespread the incident is that occurs. In late 2019 and throughout 2020, we’ve all been finding ways to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.MattFidler.mp3">https://www.thepermaculturepodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/Wildfires-MattFidler.mp3

MattFidler.mp3">Click here to download the episode. | MattFidler.mp3&id=6247" class="newPlayerWindow">Open Player in New Window

More regular and localized are man-made and natural disasters. Though not a comprehensive list, arising from society, those problems may be a hazardous material spill, power disruption, nuclear radiation leak, chemical or biological threat, communication blackout, and civil unrest. While the natural cycles of the world, compounded by human decisions and climate change, include earthquakes, hurricanes, typhoons, tornadoes, extreme heat, winter storms, wildfires, and flooding.As permaculture practitioners, understanding the nature of a given disaster we can prepare and plan for these disruptions so we can respond proactively based on emerging news or local conditions. From that information and our landscape and life designs we can provide comfort for ourselves and mutual aid within our community. 

In my own life, living in a rural location for more than a decade, I would often spend two or three weeks, spread across the year, cutoff from the world and supplies due to flooding or severe winter snow storms. In those times my family learned to keep extra food 

But, those problems arose from living in a wet, temperate area prone to flash floods, the impact of hurricanes, and long cold winters. Something I’m not familiar with, that many people around the world face, are wildfires. Whether from lightning strikes, volcanic eruptions, arson, or gender reveal parties, wildfires threaten tens of millions of acres of land and hundreds of millions of people worldwide each year. So today, I’m joined by Matt Fidler, one of the producers behind California Burning, a five-part National Public Radio series examining wildfires in California. 

He joins me today to share what he learned through his interviews with landmanagers, architects, and others, to understand the ecological role of fire, how misguided land management practices make the problem worse, and the ways climate change will continue to create drier, more fire-prone areas across the globe. He then shares solutions we can take to mitigate these problems through personal action, better neighborhood and building design, and advocacy for improved resource regulations.Find out more about wildfires and what Matt learned through his podcast, California Burning, at californiaburning.net.

For Patreon supporters, I’ve released a bonus episode with additional resources on wildfires, the ecology of fire, and land management. You can get that, the weekly updates, a discount on consultations and meanderings, and join in the monthly Ask Me Anything thread at Patreon.com/permaculturepodcast.

Also, through the end of the year, to anyone who donates $50 to the show, I’ll send you a USB drive with the first ten years of the show from October 2010 to October 2020. Donate OnlineOr drop something in the mail:Scott Mann210 East Fairfax St.#300Falls Church, VA 22046Finally, if there’s any way I can help you on your journey, please get in touch with me.Email: show@thepermaculturepodcast.comUntil the next time, spend each day creating the world you want to live in by taking action to plan for and mitigate disasters while taking care of Earth, your self, and each other.Upcoming ClassesOn November 17th, 2020 at 7 PM EST / UTC – 5, join Karryn Olson and I for our workshop, Discerning Permaculture Niches for Your Livelihood. In this free 90-minute workshop we’ll help you expand your thinking about livelihood niches beyond the permaculture staples of design, teaching, applying permie knowledge as a grower, or building a personal homestead.

Sign-up for our Workshop: Discerning Permaculture Niches for Your Livelihood.I’m also running a pilot program on Storytelling for Design in December to share some of the processes I’ve used over the years to turn an idea into a narrative we can use to share our vision with others. This is not an open class, but a limited program offered in The Gift Economy. If you would like to be added to the participant list please contact me directly: show@thepermaculturepodcast.com

The post Designing for Disasters: Understanding and Mitigating Wildfires | Matt Fidler appeared first on The Permaculture Podcast.