As the death toll rises above 100 and Hawai’i battles aggressive wildfires erupting throughout Maui, the devastation left behind leaves many reeling. While the Lahaina fire is reportedly 80 percent contained, the fast-moving wildfires saw residents and tourists evacuate the island in droves.

In addition to countless homes reduced to nothing but ash, the island also endured the destruction of historic sites, including the oldest hotel in Hawai’i, Pioneer Inn. Lahaina’s banyan tree, the oldest in the state and one of the oldest in the country, burned on Wednesday. This fig tree, planted in 1873, suffered burns to all but its roots, a hopeful sign.

The world kept its eyes peeled on the island as fires ravaged homes and streets. Social media depicted residents and tourists even fleeing to the ocean to escape flames and smoke.

Many efforts are underway to not only contain the fire completely but also help those who lost loved ones, pets and homes. Several institutions and organizations have set up direct lines for donations. American Red Cross disaster workers in Maui continue to work to help all affected.

Various organizations are currently raising funds. Here are some ways you can help:

• American Red Cross: Visit redcross.org, call 1 800 RED CROSS or text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation
• The Hawai’i Community Foundation: Visit here to donate to the foundation, which has already raised $1 million to help fire victims
• Maui Food Bank: Visit here to donate and provide safe and nutritious food to anyone in Maui County at risk of going hungry
• Maui United Way: The organization set up a Maui Fire and Disaster Relief Donations page for online donations

Unfortunately, these recent bouts of wildfires aren’t an anomaly in the world. In July of this year, Rhodes, Greece, suffered horrific fires, forcing thousands to leave their homes. Many tourists had to abandon holidays on both Rhodes and Corfu, and hundreds of homes how stand with the scars of flames and smoke.

Where temperatures reached a staggering 113 degrees Fahrenheit, Rhodes became a breeding ground for wildfires. Record high temperatures across Greece, southern Europe and North Africa create dry conditions for fires to hold and spread rapidly. On July 26, deadly fires across Algeria, Italy and Greece killed more than 40 people. Earlier this year, Australia and Chile endured severe wildfires, and many destinations across the Mediterranean remain under high alert for fires in the coming weeks.

Many see these wildfires as omens for the future. Many scientists argue the sheer number and severity of these recent wildfires would not have happened if not for climate change. As more of the world begins to suffer from high temperatures, millions of people will soon face days spent under red alerts for extreme heat and, consequently, wildfires.

In fact, the UN expects extreme wildfires to increase in number and even reach areas once unaffected. The cause? Climate change.

Have you directly been affected by a wildfire in recent years? How do you plan to aid the people in Maui? What do you think the everyday person could do to help the environment? What do you think large companies and corporations should be required to do to help the environment? Tell us your thoughts. Email us at letters@globaltravelerusa.com. Please include your full name and location.