Fuelling the flames - the socio-economic and political forces driving wildfires
File(s)
Author(s)
Piroli, Erika
Type
Thesis
Abstract
While numerous factors contribute to wildfires, stakeholders’ interests and incentives
surrounding fire use remain underexplored in the literature. This research aims to address this
gap by examining the human-driven factors influencing wildfire management - not only those
related to economic activities but also a broader range of human influences, from social to
political. Focusing on fire-prone areas in Mediterranean Europe and the U.S., the thesis
examines the complex interplay of socio-economic and political factors that may exacerbate
the crisis in fire-prone regions.
A multidisciplinary approach is employed, integrating qualitative and quantitative methods to
explore the roles and influences of various stakeholders in fire practices and management, with
particular attention to policymakers’ incentives. The selection of methods applied in the
different chapters was driven by two key factors: introducing novel approaches to fire science
by incorporating econometric and social science methodologies and leveraging the proven
effectiveness of these methods in disciplines such as political economics. The findings highlight
human-related factors across different jurisdictional levels and stakeholder groups,
encompassing various market and political dimensions. When analysed together, these factors
reveal a complex interplay of interests that sustain the wildfire status quo or contribute to its
exacerbation.
Considering this matrix of interests, this thesis underscores the critical need for comprehensive
fire management strategies that integrate ecological, political, and socio-economic
considerations to mitigate wildfire risks effectively. This research also highlights the importance
of decentralised governance, stakeholder and expert engagement, active citizenship, and the
incorporation of local and Indigenous knowledge in fire management strategies. It advocates
for policies prioritising collaboration, transparency, and promoting sustainable fire practices,
moving away from one-size-fits-all approaches and addressing the unique dynamics of fire-prone
ecosystems.
surrounding fire use remain underexplored in the literature. This research aims to address this
gap by examining the human-driven factors influencing wildfire management - not only those
related to economic activities but also a broader range of human influences, from social to
political. Focusing on fire-prone areas in Mediterranean Europe and the U.S., the thesis
examines the complex interplay of socio-economic and political factors that may exacerbate
the crisis in fire-prone regions.
A multidisciplinary approach is employed, integrating qualitative and quantitative methods to
explore the roles and influences of various stakeholders in fire practices and management, with
particular attention to policymakers’ incentives. The selection of methods applied in the
different chapters was driven by two key factors: introducing novel approaches to fire science
by incorporating econometric and social science methodologies and leveraging the proven
effectiveness of these methods in disciplines such as political economics. The findings highlight
human-related factors across different jurisdictional levels and stakeholder groups,
encompassing various market and political dimensions. When analysed together, these factors
reveal a complex interplay of interests that sustain the wildfire status quo or contribute to its
exacerbation.
Considering this matrix of interests, this thesis underscores the critical need for comprehensive
fire management strategies that integrate ecological, political, and socio-economic
considerations to mitigate wildfire risks effectively. This research also highlights the importance
of decentralised governance, stakeholder and expert engagement, active citizenship, and the
incorporation of local and Indigenous knowledge in fire management strategies. It advocates
for policies prioritising collaboration, transparency, and promoting sustainable fire practices,
moving away from one-size-fits-all approaches and addressing the unique dynamics of fire-prone
ecosystems.
Version
Open Access
Date Issued
2025-03-06
Date Awarded
01/09/2025
License URL
Advisor
Ioannis, Kountouris
Jay, Mistry
Sponsor
Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council
The Leverhulme Centre for Wildfires, Environment and Society
Grant Number
PSH567_LFEPR
Publisher Department
Centre for Environmental Policy
Publisher Institution
Imperial College London
Qualification Level
Doctoral
Qualification Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)