smoke
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Bird watchers help study wildfire smoke impact on avian life
Volunteers in Project Phoenix are observing birds to help scientists understand the effects of wildfire smoke on bird behavior and health.
In short:
- Project Phoenix, led by UCLA and the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, involves over 300 volunteers observing birds to study their response to wildfire smoke.
- Wildfire smoke may force birds to alter migration routes, impacting their health and reproduction.
- The initiative is expanding from California to Oregon and Washington, with data collection running through November.
Key quote:
“There’s an urgency here to figure out more about what’s going on and how we can help birds in this tumultuous time.”
— Olivia Sanderfoot, Project Phoenix lead.
Why this matters:
By tracking bird populations, Project Phoenix aids scientific research and raises awareness about the broader implications of wildfire smoke on ecosystems. The insights gained could inform conservation strategies and public health policies, ensuring both avian and human communities can better navigate the smoky realities of our changing climate.
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Newsletter
Credit:Roger Rosentreter/Big Stock Photo
Extreme wildfires have doubled in the last 20 years
Extreme wildfires have more than doubled in frequency and intensity over the past two decades, driven by a warming and drying climate.
In short:
- The study, published in Nature Ecology & Evolution, analyzed 21 years of data and found over 2,900 extreme wildfire events worldwide.
- Wildfires in temperate conifer forests in North America and boreal forests in North America and Russia increased significantly, influenced by climate change.
- Extreme wildfires pose significant risks to nearby communities and affect distant regions through smoke and greenhouse gas emissions.
Key quote:
“We’re seeing the manifestations of a warming and drying climate before our very eyes in these extreme fires.”
— Calum Cunningham, a postdoctoral researcher in pyrogeography at the University of Tasmania
Why this matters:
As temperatures rise and droughts become more severe, forests that once served as carbon sinks are now becoming tinderboxes. These fires release significant amounts of carbon dioxide, exacerbating global warming in a vicious cycle. The smoky haze that blankets cities miles away from the blazes poses serious respiratory risks, particularly for children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing conditions.
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Credit: Patou Ricard/Pixabay
People should take wildfire smoke more seriously
Research shows wildfire smoke is a major health hazard, but many Americans continue to disregard the risks.
In short:
- Wildfire smoke contains tiny particles that pose serious health risks and kill thousands annually.
- Recent studies show almost all of North America has experienced smoke coverage at some point in recent years.
- Despite the dangers, public awareness and protective actions, such as mask-wearing, remain insufficient.
Key quote:
“There’s a lot of chemicals in that. There’s all sorts of things in the pollution that you might not see in other sources of PM2.5. We’re still unclear on what that means for health.”
— Marissa Childs, an environmental-health researcher at the Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health
Why this matters:
Research indicates that wildfire smoke contains a hazardous mix of particulate matter, gases, and chemicals that can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream. These tiny particles, known as PM2.5, are particularly concerning due to their ability to trigger respiratory and cardiovascular problems. For vulnerable populations—children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing conditions like asthma or heart disease—the risks are even higher.
Related EHN coverage:
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The Midwest braces for another summer of wildfire smoke
Canadian wildfires are again expected to send dangerous smoke into the U.S. Midwest, prompting states to refine their air quality alert systems.
In short:
- The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has streamlined its alert process, significantly reducing the time needed to issue air quality warnings.
- States like Wisconsin, Michigan, and Indiana saw record levels of particulate matter pollution last summer, leading to updates in air quality monitoring and alert systems.
- Agencies are now better prepared to issue public health advisories, urging people to take precautions during high pollution days.
Key quote:
“When we see these smoke events, it’s important for the public to be informed about the health risks and [health officials] encourage people to take steps to protect themselves.”
— Paul Billings, senior vice president for Public Policy at the American Lung Association
Why this matters:
With wildfires becoming more frequent and severe due to climate change, states must adapt to protect public health from the dangerous effects of smoke pollution. Improved alert systems and public awareness can help mitigate the health risks associated with prolonged exposure to polluted air.
Be sure to see EHN’s coverage about wildfire smoke and its effects:
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Newsletter
Wildfires in Canada worsen air quality across the U.S. Midwest
Wildfire smoke from Canadian blazes has dramatically worsened air quality across the Midwestern United States, permeating indoor environments despite efforts to keep it out.
In short:
- More than 140 wildfires in Alberta and British Columbia have sent smoke across U.S. borders, affecting indoor air quality even with closed windows and doors.
- Experts emphasize the importance of high-quality air filtration systems to combat the infiltration of outdoor pollutants indoors.
- Vulnerable groups like children and the elderly face significant health risks from prolonged exposure to this smoke.
Key quote:
“Housing quality plays a big role in this. If you’re in an older, leakier home, you’re going to be exposed to more wildfire smoke."
— Elliott Gall, mechanical and materials engineering professor at Portland State University
Why this matters:
As climate change escalates the frequency and severity of wildfires, more individuals will likely experience adverse health effects from smoke exposure. Effective indoor air quality management is becoming important for health safety, particularly in densely populated and vulnerable communities.
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Newsletter
Credit: Jackie Burton/Pixabay
Unhealthy air pollution affects nearly 40% of Americans, report reveals
A recent American Lung Association report states that climate change and wildfires are reversing progress on air pollution, impacting 131 million Americans with unhealthy air.
In short:
- The "State of the Air" report shows an increase of 12 million people living in polluted areas since last year.
- Climate-related disasters, particularly wildfires, are major contributors to deteriorating air quality.
- Policies and technology exist to mitigate this issue, but lack of political will remains a barrier.
Key quote:
“It is distressing to find that so many people are living with air quality that threatens their health.”
— Katherine Pruitt, national senior director for clean air policy at the American Lung Association.
Why this matters:
As the planet warms, drier and hotter conditions become more common, setting the stage for wildfires to ignite and spread more easily. These wildfires produce vast amounts of smoke, containing particulates and harmful gases such as carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds, which significantly degrade air quality.
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Newsletter
Credit: Matthias Fischer/Pixabay
Guatemala grapples with widespread forest fires
In the wake of numerous forest blazes, Guatemala's President declares a natural disaster.
In short:
- President Bernardo Arévalo announced that human activities started 80% of the ongoing 44 forest fires.
- Educational activities in three provinces were suspended to shield students from smoke hazards.
- The disaster declaration will increase financial support for firefighting initiatives.
Key quote:
"The current situation is not a coincidence, 80% of those fires were set."
— Bernardo Arévalo, President of Guatemala
Why this matters:
Farmers using the practice of field burning—also known as slash-and-burn agriculture—can inadvertently start wildfires, especially in regions like Guatemala where this technique is common. This traditional method involves clearing land for agriculture by cutting down vegetation and then burning the remains. However, fires intended to burn only a designated area can quickly spread out of control under dry and windy conditions, leading to wildfires that can consume large areas of forest, agricultural lands, and even encroach on populated areas.
Fire is a necessary part of ecosystems; we should follow Indigenous cultural fire practices for healthier, abundant forests and to reverse more than a century of damage, according to researchers.
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