Even with the horrific fires that California has had, the increased development in fire fighting over that last century has helped a great deal.
But yes, overall wealth is up most everywhere, and with that, allows us to maintain and "clean up" places that haven't always been so pristine.
Worldwide poverty has dramatically decreased since the 70's.
It easier to be a "good steward of the planet" when the funds required to do so are more readily available.
All this is good news for all of us around the globe, except for those in the climate change alarmist camp.