L.A. must balance fire resilience with ecological preservation by gradually replacing flammable non-native plants like eucalyptus and palm trees with native and fire-resistant species while rethinking urban landscapes and land management practices.

Southern California's fire-prone environment raises questions about the role of flammable non-native plants, like eucalyptus and palm trees, in spreading wildfires. While these trees are iconic symbols of Los Angeles, they are also highly combustible and can exacerbate fire risks, especially when poorly maintained. Experts suggest a gradual transition toward native and less flammable species, such as coast live oaks and California lilacs, to create fire-resilient landscapes. However, even native plants are not entirely fireproof, as many naturally burn and regenerate, requiring careful planning to balance fire safety with ecological preservation.
This editorial emphasizes the importance of thoughtful vegetation management and land use planning to minimize fire hazards. Native plants, besides being less flammable in some cases, provide critical habitat for wildlife and promote biodiversity. Some desirable non-native species, like fruit trees, can also contribute to fire resilience in urban areas. Experts recommend planting non-native but fire-resistant species in urban cores and parks while avoiding invasive plants like fountain grass and mustard, which thrive in dry conditions and exacerbate fire spread.
As wildfires become more frequent and intense due to climate change, Los Angeles must adopt long-term strategies for sustainable rebuilding and land management. This involves creative urban planning, fire-hardened buildings, and vegetation management, supported by funding mechanisms for ongoing prevention efforts. The editorial calls for a collaborative and sustained approach to ensure that Los Angeles evolves into a safer, greener, and more resilient city, rather than simply replicating the conditions that contributed to its vulnerabilities.
FULL STORY: Editorial: After the fires, must we get rid of our flammable eucalyptus and palm trees? Maybe not

Manufactured Crisis: Losing the Nation’s Largest Source of Unsubsidized Affordable Housing
Manufactured housing communities have long been an affordable housing option for millions of people living in the U.S., but that affordability is disappearing rapidly. How did we get here?

Americans May Be Stuck — But Why?
Americans are moving a lot less than they once did, and that is a problem. While Yoni Applebaum, in his highly-publicized article Stuck, gets the reasons badly wrong, it's still important to ask: why are we moving so much less than before?

Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage
Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.

Updating LA’s Tree Rules Could Bring More Shade to Underserved Neighborhoods
A new USC study finds that relaxing Los Angeles’ outdated tree planting guidelines could significantly expand urban tree canopy and reduce shade disparities in lower-income neighborhoods, though infrastructure investments are also needed.

California's Canal Solar Projects Aim to Conserve Resources and Expand Clean Energy
California’s Project Nexus has begun generating electricity from solar panels installed over irrigation canals, with researchers and state agencies exploring statewide expansion to conserve water and boost clean energy production.

HHS Staff Cuts Gut Energy Assistance Program
The full staff of a federal program that distributes heating and cooling assistance for low-income families was laid off, jeopardizing the program’s operations.
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