In recent weeks, the US state of California, with the city of Los Angeles being particularly affected, has been ravaged by a series of fires that have threatened the lives of thousands of people and damaged large areas of land. The flames, fuelled by high temperatures, drought and strong winds, have destroyed vast areas of forest and vegetation, endangering local homes and infrastructure. 

The provisional toll counts thousands of hectares of burnt land, with hundreds of families evacuated from their homes to avoid imminent danger.

In addition to the massive economic damage, with estimates of billions of dollars in losses, including damage to property, agriculture and tourism, the emergency has also had serious repercussions on public health, with the air polluted by smoke particles, endangering the health of millions of people.

These fires are the result of multiple factors, including rising temperatures caused by climate change, prolonged drought and land management. The effects of such tragedies are unfortunately not only limited to immediate damage, but have long-term consequences on public health, the economy and the environment.

Princess Camilla of Bourbon Charitable Foundation follows the development of these events with great concern and emphasises the fundamental role of governments, institutions and citizens in uniting to implement effective prevention, environmental education and risk management policies. Initiatives of this kind can not only mitigate the effects of fires, but also promote a sustainable development model capable of protecting the environment and ensuring a safe future for the next generations. From the promotion of eco-sustainable behaviour to the enhancement of green areas and natural parks, every action is important to build a future in which man and nature can coexist in harmony.