The Impact of Non-Native Grass Species on Hawaii's Wildfires

Invasive grass species covering a quarter of the Hawaiian islands, particularly on abandoned sugarcane fields, are being blamed for the ferocity of the recent deadly wildfires on Maui. Scientists have been warning about the fire risk posed by non-native grasses for years, as they provide a source of combustible fuel. The grasses, such as fountaingrass and Guinea grass, have adapted to thrive with fire and now cover about 25% of Hawaii. Experts suggest that managing the grasses through grazing, farming, reforestation, or fire breaks could have reduced the intensity and spread of the fires. However, addressing the climate crisis and reducing greenhouse gas emissions is seen as the ultimate solution to prevent such disasters.