Natural disasters can strike in an instant, leaving trails of destruction behind. But it's not just buildings and other structures that are affected. Disasters also do great damage to the environment. They can wipe out coastlines, pollute water sources, destroy animal habitats, disrupt ecosystems, and more. What happens next? Can the environment recover? Investigate the environmental effects of hurricanes, earthquakes, wildfires, and other natural disasters. Wildfires and the Environment, Just one spark can cause a devastating wildfire. Besides the impact on people, the environment suffers. Ash can pollute air and water sources.

Animals are killed or displaced. Soil washes away, making it hard for plants to grow. After a wildfire, the long recovery process begins. Find out how people can help affected areas recover.