First, the background.
Millions of people in the United States and Canada are facing dangerous air quality, as smoke from over 200 fires in Canada drifts south and blankets the northeastern U.S. in a foggy haze.
Is that bad?
Yes – but poor air quality isn’t the only issue. Also of major concern is the sheer number of wildfires breaking out in Canada and other places right now, during what is still considered early in the wildfire season. Even more concerning? What these fires mean about climate change.
What about it?
Climate change goes beyond just temperature, extending to various climate patterns and systems – including precipitation, wind patterns, ocean currents, and the increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events.
What do extreme weather events have to do with climate change?
While individual weather events cannot be solely attributed to climate change, the link between our changing climate and the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events is evident.
And wildfires are just one example of those consequences.
Fires like these tend to happen amid staggering heat waves and droughts, impacts of climate change that create conditions ideal for monstrous fires to flourish.
What we can do.
In order to prevent the devastating affects of climate change, we must call on world leaders to provide bold proposals that ensure every country can contribute to a greener and safer future.
