The National University System was established in 2001 to meet the emerging challenges and demands of education in the 21st century. The System is uniquely aligned to connect a diverse population of students to a network of innovative educational programs that are relevant to their lives, careers, and the marketplace and are delivered in a format that respects competing life priorities.
A sign thanking first responders hangs by a newly planted vineyard in Napa. With the winds dying down, fire crews gained ground as they battled wildfires that have devastated California wine country. (Eric Risberg / AP)
Kelly Cunningham, National University System - YES: Assuming the fires are contained in the coming week, costs are projected to rise to $100 billion. In addition to loss of life and property, hours of labor and resources expended fighting the fires, as well as costs cleaning up and replacing lost property are included. Furthermore, what the economy would have otherwise produced if not diverted by the fires are additional considerations. However, even this amount represents only 0.0035 percent of California’s $2.8 trillion economy.