The recent wildfires in Los Angeles have been some of the most catastrophic the area has ever experienced, with over two dozen lives lost and thousands forced to evacuate their homes. The devastation reaches beyond just humans, as surveys show nearly half of those who evacuate during disasters leave a pet behind. Wild animals also suffer, often losing their habitats with nowhere else to go.
In response, a wave of compassion has surged. Many organizations are working around the clock to rescue animals. As local shelters hit capacity, some groups are relocating animals to other states. Take, for example, the efforts of charities like Best Friends Animal Society and Wings of Rescue, which have transported over 80 cats and dogs from L.A. County to Utah.
This scenario underscores the interconnectedness of human and animal lives, largely due to human influence. While it might seem that animals should manage on their own, reality tells a different story. In cities like Los Angeles, human activities directly and indirectly affect countless animals—be it through animal control services or environmental management initiatives.
Our infrastructure significantly impacts animals, particularly during emergencies like wildfires. The challenge we face is how to make our infrastructure not only more resilient and sustainable in the wake of climate change but also safer for animals.
I spent a year collaborating with a team of specialists to explore how cities can improve infrastructure in ways that benefit humans, animals, and the environment alike. This endeavor culminated in a comprehensive policy report led by legal expert Alisa White, offering a range of affordable and practical solutions for cities to implement swiftly. Here are a few suggestions:
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Adopt bird-friendly building practices. Each year, millions of birds perish due to collisions with buildings, often because glass is nearly invisible to them. As cities revise building standards for energy efficiency, they should also incorporate bird-safe designs, like those using patterned glass that birds can easily detect. At least 10 cities in California already mandate bird-friendly architecture for specific structures. Others should adopt similar measures.
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Enhance road infrastructure. Traffic-dense streets can lead to vehicle-animal collisions, fragment wildlife habitats, and disrupt migration routes. In updating transportation for energy efficiency, cities could build wildlife overpasses or underpasses to minimize collisions and create pedestrian-only zones to curb air and noise pollution. California announced plans for what will be the largest wildlife crossing globally, set to span over the 101 in L.A. County, funded through philanthropy and expected in 2026. This initiative can inspire similar developments worldwide.
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Bolster green infrastructure. Green roofs, rain gardens, and bioswales can help manage stormwater and mitigate the urban heat island effect. Incorporating specific plants can support wildlife habitats. Los Angeles has been recognized as a leader in water collection, and moving forward, it can select plants that serve as food and habitats for wild creatures.
- Revamp lawn maintenance. Traditional lawns offer limited wildlife habitats and rely on gas-powered equipment, contributing to pollution. Shifting to naturalized lawns can create wildlife corridors and reduce the need for noisy, polluting machinery. This approach is gaining traction in California, which has banned new gas-powered lawn equipment sales.
Fundamentally, cities can establish dedicated animal welfare offices, following New York’s example from 2019, which has led to progress in areas like bird-friendly building policies and humane wildlife management. These efforts highlight how integrating animal welfare into policymaking can yield benefits for humans and the environment.
These proposals are just the beginning. Each city, including L.A., must tailor its approach to its unique circumstances, focusing on mitigating risks from fires, floods, and other climate-related challenges. Although we continue to learn about safeguarding human and animal lives simultaneously, it’s clear that every step towards protecting animals counts. With a concerted effort to integrate animal-friendly practices into infrastructure, we can foster a society that values all forms of life.
Jeff Sebo serves as an associate professor in environmental studies, and he’s the director of the Center for Environmental and Animal Protection at NYU. He has authored several books, including “Saving Animals, Saving Ourselves,” with a forthcoming work entitled “The Moral Circle.”
