Just after the first week of 2025, Southern California ushered in a "life-threatening and destructive large-scale storm," accompanied by extreme heat and severe fires that are expected to last for days.
As multiple wildfires continue to rage across the Los Angeles area, burning homes and businesses, UCLA, Pepperdine University, and Caltech have announced class suspensions or a shift to online instruction, and USC has canceled its spring new student orientation.
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California Wildfires Rage, State of Emergency Declared
Since Tuesday, the massive wildfires have burned thousands of hectares of land and forced over 100,000 people to evacuate.
By Wednesday afternoon, the three largest fires were still completely uncontained, and the flames are expected to continue spreading.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a statewide emergency and mobilized over 1,400 firefighters and emergency personnel to battle the blazes.
U.S. President Biden declared a federal emergency and canceled his planned trip to Italy to focus on directing the federal response to the fires.
The frequent wildfires are closely linked to climate change in California in recent years. The region's long-term drought, rising temperatures, and strong winds create favorable conditions for wildfires to rage.
Rapid urbanization and human-induced climate change have made wildfires in the western United States larger, more intense, and more destructive.
Since last autumn and winter, drought conditions in Southern California have intensified. In December 2024, Los Angeles reached a moderate drought level, setting the stage for this year's outbreak of wildfires, which ultimately became the most destructive fire in Los Angeles history.
Wildfire Prevention Measures and Emergency Preparedness
The Chinese Consulate General in Los Angeles urgently issued a safety alert yesterday, reminding Chinese citizens in Southern California to be aware of wildfire hazards.
The American Red Cross also has specific action guides for before, during, and after a wildfire. You can refer to these to take preventive measures.
Clear flammable materials:
Ensure there are no dry vegetation, weeds, or dead leaves around the house to reduce the risk of fire spread.
Create a firebreak:
Establish a clear area free of combustible materials around the house to prevent flames from reaching the structure.
Trim trees and shrubs:
Regularly prune trees, especially branches close to buildings, to prevent flames from igniting the house.
Check electrical facilities:
Ensure wires and outlets are intact to avoid fires caused by short circuits.
Avoid using high-power appliances:
Reduce the use of high-power electrical appliances during extreme weather conditions to lower fire risks.
Prepare an emergency kit:
Include drinking water, food, medicine, first-aid supplies, a flashlight, and a power bank, among other basic items.
Develop a family evacuation plan:
Plan evacuation routes and meeting points with your family so you can quickly evacuate in an emergency.
Monitor official warning information:
Closely follow wildfire risk and evacuation instructions issued by the weather bureau and local government.
U.S. Universities Launch Climate and Environment Master's Programs
In the past two years, as global climate change challenges become increasingly severe, many U.S. universities have successively launched brand-new master's programs specifically focused on climate and environmental issues.
These programs aim to cultivate talent with professional knowledge and practical skills to address the growing environmental crises, such as wildfires, extreme weather, and ecosystem degradation, among other major challenges.
University of California, Berkeley
Master of Climate Solutions
The Master of Climate Solutions at UC Berkeley is an interdisciplinary STEM program designed to address climate change.
This one-year program is tailored for students with over three years of experience and diverse educational and technical backgrounds, aiming to develop professionals capable of tackling the climate crisis, developing innovative solutions, and implementing sustainable development projects.
The core curriculum covers important topics in climate-related natural and social sciences, with built-in practical learning to help students understand real-world climate solutions.
Columbia University
Master of Science in Climate
The Master of Science in Climate at Columbia University provides students with core climate knowledge, applied learning, skill development, and professional advancement. Through advanced certificates, students will gain in-depth knowledge to work at the intersection of climate analysis, food security, or disaster management.
This two-year program focuses its core curriculum on scientific understanding of climate, advanced quantitative methods, adaptation strategies and policies, and social impacts, with an opportunity to earn a second credential through a New York State advanced certificate or dual degree.
Duke University
Climate and Sustainability Engineering
Duke's Master of Engineering in Climate and Sustainability Engineering aims to cultivate well-rounded leaders who can comfortably navigate uncertainty, assess risks, and propose impactful and iterative solutions.
The program emphasizes the intersection of climate and critical thinking, with students able to focus on one of four key areas: energy transition, infrastructure resilience, sustainable materials, or business applications.
As wildfires rage in California, many universities and community residents have been affected to varying degrees. I hope all international students in danger can stay safe, make emergency preparations, and protect their property and the safety of their loved ones.
CheersYou（清柚教育） especially reminds everyone that during these windy and fire-prone days, please always stay updated on the latest disaster warning information, keep in touch with your family at all times, and ensure that safety and peace of mind are the top priorities.
Climate change has become one of the severe challenges facing humanity. We must strengthen environmental protection and resource management to reduce the occurrence of future disasters. It is also hoped that more professionals will emerge in the future to help the planet achieve better sustainable development.
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