The ancient tree is no stranger to fires. Over its lifetime, General Sherman – along with other sequoias in the aptly-named Giant Forest – will have survived more than 100 burns, some of which have been started on purpose in order to pop open the trees' cones and release seeds for the next generation to grow. Recently, however, the wildfires across California have been burning hotter, higher and more intensely than ever before.

As a precaution during the fires of September 2021, General Sherman was wrapped in protective foil to keep it safe from the potential onslaught. It's a practice that continues to this day, but as the climate crisis continues to make wildfires more frequent and destructive, it might only be a matter of time before this giant is dwarfed.

These natural wonders are most at risk