Fires of Capitalism: What Wildfires Teach Us About Systemic Trauma and Healing
As we witness the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, I’ve been reflecting on what these events reveal about our shared humanity, the systems we live within, and the possibility for healing.
This post is about connection and hope.
"Healing the wounds of our world begins where we reconnect—with each other, with the Earth, and with the systems that shape our lives." – Mary Coughlin
As the smoke clears from yet another devastating wildfire season in California, it’s hard not to see the flames as a metaphor for a deeper, systemic issue — one that mirrors the trauma we face in healthcare, in families, and in society as a whole. The destruction wrought by these fires, fueled by climate change, resource mismanagement, and inequities in response, forces us to reckon with uncomfortable truths about how we live and what we value.
The Root Cause: A System on Fire
The wildfires devastating Los Angeles are not merely a natural disaster — they’re a systemic failure. Decades of drought, climate inaction, and extractive practices have created a tinderbox. Add to this the relentless march of capitalism, where profit trumps sustainability, and you have a perfect storm. Resource mismanagement, such as depleting water tables for profit-driven agriculture, echoes the exploitative systems we see in healthcare, where the most vulnerable bear the brunt of harm.
Just as infants in the NICU suffer from the invisible scars of early life adversity, our planet and its people are marked by the trauma of systems that prioritize short-term gain over long-term well-being.
Systemic Trauma Is Everywhere
The impact of these fires is not limited to the land. Families are displaced, homes are lost, and entire communities grieve what’s been taken. This is the collective trauma of climate change — a slow, rolling catastrophe that disrupts safety, stability, and connection. It mirrors what I’ve seen in healthcare, where systems built for efficiency often fail to care for the human beings within them.
In both cases, trauma compounds over time. Without intervention, the effects ripple through generations; whether it’s the epigenetic imprint of stress on a newborn or the ecological inheritance of a planet in crisis.
Healing Requires Systemic Change
In trauma-informed developmental care, we know that healing begins with creating safety, trust, and empowerment. What if we applied these principles not just to individuals but to systems? What if we rebuilt our relationship with the environment through equity, transparency, and care?
Safety: Just as we protect the sleep and development of NICU babies, we must protect the Earth’s resources. This means safeguarding water supplies, forests, and vulnerable communities.
Trust and Transparency: Addressing the root causes of wildfires requires honest reckoning with the systems that perpetuate harm, from corporate practices to government inaction.
Empowerment and Equity: Those most impacted by these disasters — historically marginalized communities, Indigenous peoples, and future generations — must have a voice in shaping solutions.
The Clinician’s Role in a Healing World
Clinicians, especially those of us who understand trauma, have a unique perspective and responsibility. We know the cost of disconnection, whether it’s the loss of human touch in the NICU or the severing of our bond with the natural world. And we know the power of buffering: of standing in the gap to create environments where healing can take root.
As buffers in the NICU, we advocate for babies and families. As citizens, we must advocate for policies and practices that heal our planet. This is not a political issue; it’s a human one.
Moving Forward: Lessons in Interconnection
The wildfires are a harsh reminder of our shared humanity and interdependence. They show us that individualism and profit-driven systems have a cost, and that cost is borne by the most vulnerable among us. Whether in healthcare or environmental stewardship, the message is clear: we need systems that honor connection, equity, and care.
Trauma-informed developmental care teaches us that healing begins with relationships. The same is true for our relationship with the Earth. By applying the principles of trauma-informed care on a systemic level, we can create a world where both people and the planet thrive.
Call to Action: The fires of capitalism have burned long enough. Let’s turn our collective attention to the work of healing, through compassion, connection, and action. Whether in the NICU, in policymaking, or in daily life, we all have a role to play in buffering against harm and building systems of care.
It’s time to care for the Earth the way we care for our patients: with love, respect, and a commitment to something greater than ourselves.
Thank you for taking the time to reflect on this critical conversation. I’d love to hear your thoughts; what resonates with you? How do you see the principles of care and connection applying to the challenges we face together? Let’s continue this dialogue.
With gratitude and a shared commitment to healing,
Mary
