This is an ideal book to start with, giving a broad overview of causes, effects, and management of wildfires. The book was written in 2021 when many parts of the world, including the Amazon, Australia, and the Mediterranean experienced more extreme fire seasons. However, California is the focus here. The key link to ecosystems is the chapter on vegetation types, which are diverse in California and range from deserts to wetlands, and coniferous forests to shrubland. Chapters that follow include impacts in wildlife, soil, water and air, and impact on the climate crisis. Reviews praise the book for its wide use of maps and photos, ideal for engaging students in this exciting topic.

Australia’s early months of 2020 were labelled its ‘Black Summer’. Images of koalas drinking from the water bottles of firefighters made headlines. This book focuses on the wildlife affected. The writer interweaves accounts of the professionals and communities fighting to protect a selection of Australia’s iconic animals, in particular, possums, wombats and the platypus. This leads to a call to action on the climate crisis. The most common theme in the reviews is that ‘everyone should read it that cherishes life on earth’. It is a very readable account of Black Summer, with students highly likely to engage in the stories of the protection of the animals involved.

This resource is an authoritative, clear and concise report from the WWF published during the devastating 2020 wildfire season. Student friendly, with a clear structure and regular infographics and diagrams, the report makes sense of the impacts of wildfires in different parts of the world and in different ecosystems. The report acknowledges that fires triggered naturally play an important role in natural cycles, maintaining biodiversity and regenerating forests, but also examines the effects of fires, highlighting that 75% of all recent fires were caused by human activity. These effects include impacts on biodiversity, the economy and health and wellbeing. It concludes with recommended actions for individuals and governments and those involved in international agreements. The structure of the report makes it ideal for students' independent research.

Heatwaves in 2020 caused wildfires in Surrey and this clip shows experts analysing the impact of global warming on the local territories.

An exploration of causes and consequences of wildfires in California.

Real-life footage of a wildfire in the UK, with insights into how climate change is affecting the frequency of these events.