Canada is burning!
Photo: Unsplash
In the span of six weeks, Canada has been grappling with a relentless onslaught of wildfires, which have spiraled out of control, prompting mass evacuations and scorching millions of acres of land. Why is it happening? Could it be climate change or is it just nature doing its thing? While the wildfire season in Canada typically spans from May to October, the extent of destruction witnessed in this early stage of the season is highly uncommon. Merely a month into the season, Canada finds itself on a distressing trajectory towards its most catastrophic wildfire season in history. The underlying catalysts for this calamity are the unprecedentedly high temperatures and drought conditions driven by the effects of climate change, which have transformed the region into a highly combustible tinderbox. This wildfire crisis has not been confined solely to the Great North. The smoke emanating from the infernos has swept across a significant portion of the United States, severely impacting air quality for millions of residents along the East Coast. The fires continue to rage uncontrollably, showing no signs of abating. Astonishingly, the effects of these fires have even reached as far as Norway, as confirmed by scientists in the Scandinavian country. The smoke from the hundreds of wildfires ravaging Canada has already enveloped parts of the United States and has resulted in approximately 75 million people receiving air quality alerts.
How did the fires in Canada start?
The origins of the wildfires in Canada have multiple factors, with weather conditions playing a significant role in their ignition.
The prevalence of dry and hot weather creates favorable conditions for lightning strikes. Under normal circumstances, around 50% of Canada’s wildfires are initiated by lightning, yet these fires account for more than 85% of the total wildfire destruction. The remaining 50% of fires are caused by human activities.
The seemingly minor increases in average temperatures have far-reaching consequences. Mark Struzik, an expert in wildfires, explains that in the boreal forest of northern Canada, which is most prone to fires, a one-degree Celsius rise in temperature corresponds to approximately a 12% increase in lightning occurrences. Consequently, as the climate continues to warm, the higher temperatures serve as catalysts, intensifying the frequency of lightning strikes and providing more triggers for fires to ignite.
Across different regions of the country, human-related activities have also contributed to the outbreak of fires, ranging from discarded cigarette butts to sparks generated by passing trains. But, understanding the root causes of these fires is crucial for implementing effective preventive measures and mitigating the risks associated with them.
The widespread repercussions of these wildfires underscore the urgency of addressing climate change and its profound implications. The devastating impact on Canada, the United States, and even countries across the Atlantic serve as a stark reminder that concerted efforts are needed to mitigate the escalating risks posed by our changing climate.
With the situation reaching a critical stage, Canada has elevated its national preparedness level to 5, signifying the complete utilization of all available national resources to tackle the fires. To reinforce these efforts, international liaison officers from Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa have been dispatched to aid in the firefighting operations, as stated by Chris Stockdale, a wildland fire research officer with the Canadian Forest Service.
The United States is also extending its support, as President Biden recently revealed that over 600 American firefighters, along with support personnel and equipment, have been deployed to assist Canada in responding to the unprecedented wildfires. In a tweet, President Biden emphasized the role of the climate crisis in intensifying these events, acknowledging the urgent need to address climate change as a driver behind the escalating fires.
Unfortunately, the weather forecasts offer little respite. The Canadian government has projected a continuation of higher-than-normal fire activity across most parts of the country throughout the 2023 wildland fire season. The persistent drought conditions and long-term forecasts indicating warm temperatures contribute to this alarming prediction.
As the battle against these devastating wildfires rages on, it is imperative for nations to collaborate, share resources, and address the underlying causes of the climate crisis to mitigate the catastrophic consequences we are witnessing firsthand. The ongoing events serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive and collective action to combat climate change and safeguard our planet from the increasing threat of wildfires.
By Ioana Constantin
