Prairie Fire (climate change concept)

The Prairie Fire concept describes how climate change can spread rapidly through interconnected systems, similar to a wildfire igniting dry grass. Small climate-related impacts, like rising temperatures or shifting weather patterns, can trigger a series of environmental changes that amplify each other—such as melting permafrost releasing greenhouse gases, which then accelerate warming. This interconnected process can cause abrupt shifts in ecosystems and climate conditions. Recognizing this pattern helps us understand how localized changes can escalate quickly, emphasizing the urgency to reduce emissions and build resilience to prevent runaway effects.