british columbia
Newsletter
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B.C.'s forests struggle to recover as logging and wildfires take their toll
As British Columbia grapples with the effects of over-logging and wildfires, experts warn that the province’s forests are rapidly depleting, leaving the forestry industry in crisis.
In short:
- B.C. has allowed excessive logging for decades, and its replanted forests are too young to harvest, leading companies to seek timber elsewhere.
- Wildfires and pest infestations have further devastated B.C.’s forest reserves, with many areas facing a biodiversity crisis.
- Experts argue that the province’s forest management system is outdated and inadequate to prevent ecosystem collapse.
Key quote:
“There’s a new normal that’s emerged. For us, it’s quite a terrifying one.”
— James Gorman, senior vice-president at West Fraser Timber Co.
Why this matters:
B.C.’s forestry industry is at risk, with shrinking tree supplies and ecosystems in danger of collapse. Mismanaged logging practices, combined with natural disasters, are threatening biodiversity and leaving a growing gap between sustainable practices and reality.
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Opposition builds as northern British Columbia pipeline construction begins
Nisg̱a’a tribal protectors briefly blocked construction of the Prince Rupert Gas Transmission pipeline, signaling growing resistance from Indigenous communities across northwest B.C.
In short:
- Nisg̱a’a tribal members set up a blockade near Gitlax̱t’aamiks to stop pipeline vehicles, reopening it after RCMP arrived.
- The pipeline project faces opposition from multiple Indigenous groups, who argue that the environmental assessments are outdated.
- Construction must significantly progress by November to keep environmental approval valid.
Key quote:
“This will be won. I guarantee you we will be successful.”
— Richard Cecil Mercer, Nisg̱a’a citizen
Why this matters:
The pipeline crosses sensitive areas, including heritage sites and major waterways. The opposition highlights broader conflicts over land rights and environmental protection.
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Poverty greatly increases risk of death during heat waves
A new study reveals that low-income individuals in British Columbia are more than twice as likely to die during extreme heat events due to lack of resources and pre-existing health conditions.
In short:
- Research from the BC Centre for Disease Control shows people on income assistance are 2.5 times more likely to die in heat waves, compounded by health issues like schizophrenia and COPD.
- During the 2021 heat dome, temperatures soared to record highs, highlighting that chronic diseases combined with poverty increased mortality rates.
- To mitigate risks, British Columbia has distributed 15,000 free air conditioners to low-income households, aiming to distribute 28,000 units total.
Key quote:
“No one is at risk from extreme heat if they have safe indoor temperatures.”
— Sarah Henderson, scientific director, BC Centre for Disease Control
Why this matters:
Heat waves are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations. Addressing this issue requires targeted policies to ensure safe living conditions and reduce health disparities in low-income communities.
Related:
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Wildfires in Canada bring health concerns with persistent smoke exposure
Increased frequency and intensity of wildfires in Canada pose significant long-term health risks due to persistent smoke exposure.
Stephanie Cleland and Ryan W. Allen write for The Conversation.
In short:
- Wildfires in Canada have increased by 220% over the last two decades, threatening air quality.
- Long-term exposure to wildfire smoke is linked to premature death, reduced lung function and increased cancer risks.
- Persistent smoke exposure also affects cognitive function and prenatal health.
Why this matters:
Chronic exposure to wildfire smoke can lead to a variety of long-term respiratory issues. Conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease can be exacerbated, leading to more frequent and severe attacks. Even those without pre-existing conditions can develop new respiratory problems after prolonged exposure to these harmful pollutants. For vulnerable populations like children, the elderly and individuals with pre-existing health conditions, the risks are even higher.
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Nisga'a Nation spearheads a major LNG project in British Columbia
The Ksi Lisims LNG project, led by the Nisg̱a’a Nation in British Columbia, faces intense scrutiny over its environmental impact and implications for Indigenous rights as it nears a production level comparable to the province's largest LNG operation.
In short:
- The Ksi Lisims LNG project, located in the Nass estuary near the Alaska border, aims to produce up to 12 million tonnes of LNG annually, rivaling the output of the larger LNG Canada.
- The project, led by the Nisg̱a’a Nation, has sparked concerns among other First Nations and environmentalists regarding its potential ecological impacts and implications for Indigenous rights.
- While proponents argue the project could help reduce global reliance on coal by providing cleaner fuel options, significant environmental and social challenges remain.
Key quote:
“I know the environmental assessment office takes that challenge very, very seriously and it is a difficult challenge. Like anything in society, not everybody agrees.”
— B.C. Environment Minister George Heyman
Why this matters:
Nestled in an area known for its rich biodiversity, the Nass estuary is home to numerous species of fish, birds, and other wildlife, making it a critical habitat that environmentalists argue must be preserved. The production of LNG, while cleaner than other fossil fuels like coal and oil, still involves processes that can lead to the emission of greenhouse gases and other pollutants. This is particularly concerning in a time when there is global pressure to reduce emissions and transition toward renewable energy sources.
Related EHN coverage:
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Climate change poses severe health risks in British Columbia
A recent report from Vancouver Coastal Health highlights the urgent and diverse health risks posed by climate change in British Columbia, with specific concerns for vulnerable populations.
In short:
- The report by Vancouver Coastal Health outlines the impact of climate hazards like wildfire smoke, droughts, heat, storms, and flooding on health, emphasizing the need for immediate mitigation and adaptation strategies.
- Dr. Patricia Daly, Chief Medical Health Officer, and other health experts emphasize the disproportionate impact on Indigenous communities and the importance of addressing pre-existing social and health disparities.
- Recommendations include infrastructure changes such as retrofitting buildings with cooling systems and enhancing green spaces, to combat the effects of extreme weather events.
Key quote:
"The existential threat to our population is climate change."
— Dr. Patricia Daly, chief medical health officer, Vancouver Coastal Health.
Why this matters:
This article underscores the link between climate change and public health, highlighting the need for comprehensive and inclusive strategies to mitigate health risks, especially for vulnerable groups. In the broader context, it reflects a growing recognition of climate change as a pressing health emergency that requires urgent action from both public health authorities and policymakers.
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Photo by Drew Farwell on Unsplash
Fish out of water: North American drought bakes salmon
An unprecedented drought across much of British Columbia, Canada, and Washington and Oregon, U.S., during the summer and fall months of June through October could have dire impacts on Pacific salmon populations, biologists warn.
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