Last summer, Canada experienced its worst wildfire season on record. 18.5 million hectares Land burned from coast to coast. 200,000 people Evacuation orders were in place throughout the season. Toxic wildfire smoke blanketed cities across the Western Hemisphere, turning New York City into a city. Orange dystopian cityscape It’s about making Canada a home for the world. Top 13 most polluted Cities in North America.
canada natural resources predict Canada’s wildfire season will likely be longer in the future. Moreover, the United Nations report Wildfires are expected to become more frequent and intense globally, with extreme wildfires increasing by up to 30% by the end of 2050. Behind these frightening trends is a changing climate. As oil and gas emissions continue to increase and climate change worsens, so too do the conditions that could lead to more destructive wildfires.
So how exactly is climate change fueling extreme and destructive fires in Canada?
Hot conditions result in dry fuel
hot and dry day generate fuel For forest fires. They dry out vegetation such as grass and trees, causing them to catch fire and continue to burn.
Due to climate change, here are the number of hot days in Canada: growing. Human activities, such as burning fossil fuels, have released greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, warming the Earth’s surface.
In June 2021 historic heat wave Desolate areas of western Canada and the United States. A new Canadian record of 49.6°C (nearly 24°C above normal) was measured in Lytton, British Columbia, on June 29. fast moving fire It started one day later, on June 30th. killed two peopleIt tore through lives and destroyed many homes in the village and surrounding areas.
Last year “The perfect storm” Dry vegetation, record-breaking temperatures and powerful winds sparked devastating fires that swept across Alberta in May, setting a dangerously destructive tone for the remainder of the fire season.
Lightning strikes more often
almost half Forest fires are started by lightning, and forest fires ignited by lightning are More than 80% of the total area burned
As temperatures rise due to climate change, lightning storms are becoming more frequent. Some scientists predict: 80% increase of lightning fire activity in Canada through the end of this century, with dry, hot conditions increasing the likelihood of fires occurring.
Fire weather fuels the flames.
Hot and dry days are a problem more easily Once a fire starts, it intensifies and spreads. “fire weather‘ refers to weather conditions such as heat and dryness that are more likely to cause a fire to start and spread.
because weather changeIf snow melts earlier and frosts arrive later, longer periods of fire weather will extend the fire season.
dangerous cycle
weather change fuel Wildfires ultimately lead to climate change. Canada’s forests absorb some of the carbon dioxide released when humans burn fossil fuels. But when forests burn, much of the stored carbon dioxide is released back into the air, accelerating climate change.
According to the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service, carbon emissions from Canadian wildfires in 2023 will be: Reached 480 megatonsrepresents a record 23% Total global wildfire carbon emissions for that year. At the end of summer, last year’s wildfires were estimated to be: third time By 2023, the country’s annual carbon emissions will reduce forests from coast-to-coast to carbon sink.super emitter“.
How do you slow down your cycle?
In 2023, a forest fire occurred in Quebec. 2x the odds Because of the climate crisis. This year, an unusually warm winter was expected, along with warm and dry spring and summer weather. increase the risk A serious forest fire that occurred in early summer.
The increase in extreme wildfires is becoming a new anomaly, destroying people’s homes and livelihoods and animal habitats, damaging air quality, and increasing greenhouse gas emissions. How can we suppress the growing number of wildfires?
First, let’s look at fire management. The Canadian government’s colonial fire practices and laws have contributed to worsening wildfire seasons by displacing Indigenous communities from their lands and abolishing Indigenous stewardship. Restoring Indigenous Land Governance Traditional Indigenous knowledge and land management are essential steps in preventing and managing fire because they are essential to the well-being of ecosystems and the communities that live on these lands.
Second, we must demand that large-scale polluters urgently phase out fossil fuel use and accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels in a just manner. Last year study The Union of Concerned Scientists has directly linked the worsening wildfires in western North America since 1986 to coal, oil and gas companies. While your community is burning, business as usual is no longer an option.
2023 was the hottest year in Earth’s history. Along with wildfires, floods, heat waves and other extreme weather events caused by climate change are destroying lives and livelihoods from coast to coast. By continuing to burn coal, oil and gas, fossil fuel companies are fueling extreme weather and shamelessly reaping record profits from the destruction of our planet. Due to a climate disaster in Canada in 2023 $3.1 billion Insured losses do not account for indirect damage to health, livelihoods and ecosystems, not to mention increased living costs. The fossil fuel industry is responsible for the impacts of climate change, and these major polluters must repair the damage they have caused.
Please join us in asking the Canadian federal government to: Hold Big Oil accountable by making it pay new money. Climate Recovery Fund This will be delivered directly to communities and local governments facing the climate crisis. If you need financial support for repairs, reconstruction and adaptation. About future climate change impacts.
