Wildfires are currently devastating Tenerife, a Spanish island in the Canary Islands, a popular tourist spot. Forbes termed these wildfires the "most complicated fire in 40 years" in the Canary Islands. Over the weekend, more than 26,000 people were evacuated from Tenerife, just a month after wildfires had badly affected La Palma, another Canary Island, leading to the evacuation of about 4,000 residents.

Unlike the tragic loss of life experienced on Hawaii's Maui Island, where 114 people have sadly died, Tenerife has not reported any fatalities due to these wildfires. In Maui, the situation is grim, with officials estimating that up to 1,000 people may still be missing. However, the reasons behind these wildfires on both Tenerife and Maui share common elements: a harmful mix of climate change and excessive tourism.

Climate change is the primary cause of the worsening impact of wildfires worldwide, and islands are especially at risk. In recent years, the Greek islands, the Canary Islands, and Hawaii have all faced more droughts and rising temperatures. In Hawaii, for instance, rainfall and streamflow have significantly decreased over the past three decades, with 90% of the state now receiving less rainfall than a century ago.

One of the unique factors contributing to wildfires on islands is wind patterns. Wind tends to blow more strongly over the ocean than over land, creating a smoother flow. Land features like hills, mountains, and forests can slow or direct the wind, making it more likely to cause and spread wildfires. Strong winds were a significant factor in the devastating wildfires on Hawaiian, Greek, and Spanish islands. In Maui, wind speeds exceeding 100 kilometers per hour were recorded, potentially causing power poles to fall and ignite wildfires.

Limited infrastructure on islands exacerbates their vulnerability to wildfires, particularly in remote areas. When wildfires grow uncontrollable, external support from other parts of the country becomes necessary. For example, the Greek wildfires in July required assistance from other European Union member states, including 500 firefighters, 100 vehicles, and seven planes from ten different countries. Similarly, the Canary Islands sought help to combat the wildfire on Tenerife.

Excessive tourism significantly increases the wildfire risk on these islands. The high number of tourists strains limited resources, such as water. Inhabited Greek islands often face severe water shortages due to small catchment areas, low rainfall, and overuse of aquifer resources, which worsens during the summer tourist season. Moreover, the majority of wildfires are human-caused, with humans responsible for about 85% of all wildfires in the United States, according to the National Park Service.

While the exact cause of the wildfires on Maui is uncertain, those in the Canary Islands and Greece were known to be ignited by human activity. Unfortunately, these wildfires often result from negligence or intentional actions. For instance, the regional president of the Canary Islands confirmed that the Tenerife wildfire was deliberately started by humans.

Island ecosystems are particularly delicate, with many indigenous species isolated for thousands of years. The introduction of invasive plant species by settlers in recent centuries has significantly disrupted these ecosystems, making them more vulnerable to wildfires. Invasive, fire-adapted grasses now cover a significant portion of Hawaii, fueling wildfires.

To combat these wildfires effectively, experts are turning to traditional indigenous methods that emphasize preventive measures rather than reacting to wildfires once they start. These methods have been used for centuries but have been largely marginalized due to colonization and persecution of indigenous communities.

The devastating wildfires on islands like Tenerife, Maui, and Greek islands result from climate change and are worsened by excessive tourism. Islands face unique challenges due to their vulnerability to wind patterns, limited infrastructure, and fragile ecosystems. Responsible tourism, support for local communities, and the integration of indigenous fire management practices into policies are essential steps in mitigating these destructive wildfires. By making thoughtful choices in how we travel, we can help protect these beautiful destinations from turning into disaster zones.