How Climate Literacy Changes the Way We Handle Wildfires

How Climate Literacy Changes the Way We Handle Wildfires

From All Things Wildfire Podcast by O.P. Almaraz

November 25, 2025 · 46 min · Episode 56

About this episode

This episode discusses the importance of climate literacy in wildfire preparedness and response with guest Alison Smart.

In this episode of All Things Wildfire, we sit down with Alison Smart, Executive Director of Probable Futures, to explore why climate literacy is one of the most essential skills of the 21st century, and how it directly impacts the way we prepare for and respond to wildfires. Alison explains how, for the past 12,000 years, our climate was remarkably stable, allowing us to use the past to predict the future. But as the climate shifts, those old assumptions no longer hold true. We discuss how understanding climate science helps us make sense of today's instability and why everyone, from homeowners to policymakers, needs to rethink what it means to live safely in a changing climate. Whether you're in wildfire country or simply want to better understand the connection between education, climate change, and environmental resilience, this conversation offers an enlightening look at how climate literacy can shape a safer, more informed future. Takeaways: Everyone needs climate literacy. Climate literacy is essential to living in the modern world. For 12,000 years, the climate was stable. We could expect the past to inform the future. Climate science helps us understand stability…

People in this episode

Host: O.P. Almaraz

Guest: Alison Smart

Topics covered

  • climate literacy
  • wildfire preparedness
  • climate change
  • environmental resilience
  • education

Keywords

  • climate literacy
  • wildfires
  • climate change
  • education
  • environmental resilience
  • climate science
  • 21st century skills

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Probable Futures

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