wildfires
Newsletter
Credit: Gerd Altmann/Pixabay
Climate change increases health risks with extreme summer heat and wildfires
Rising temperatures and wildfires fueled by climate change are posing significant health risks across Canada, with humid conditions exacerbating the effects.
In short:
- Eastern Canada experienced a heat dome in June 2024, with temperatures feeling as high as 40°C due to humidity.
- High humidity complicates the body's ability to cool down, increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses.
- Prolonged exposure to extreme heat and wildfire smoke can worsen respiratory and cardiovascular conditions.
Key quote:
"Some people may not be in the habit of protecting themselves from heat, given that this is early in the season. It’s still really important to prepare, particularly for people that may require assistance."
— Peter Berry, Health Canada spokesperson
Why this matters:
Rising temperatures and increased frequency of heat domes, driven by climate change, heighten the health risks of extreme heat and poor air quality.
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Forest microbiome study aims to boost tree resilience to climate stressors
Researchers at the University of Idaho received a $15 million grant to explore how forest microorganisms can help trees withstand drought and wildfires.
In short:
- The EMBER project studies how microorganisms in Idaho forests respond to stress, aiming to improve forest management and resilience.
- The research focuses on coniferous trees and involves simulating drought and wildfire conditions to identify beneficial microorganisms.
- The project combines expertise from multiple scientific disciplines and integrates Indigenous forest management practices.
Key quote:
"We really didn’t have that engaged molecular and microbiology team before."
— Tara Hudiburg, principal investigator and professor at the University of Idaho
Why this matters:
Understanding the role of microorganisms can help forest managers maintain healthier forests amid climate change, reducing the impact of droughts and wildfires. This research also bridges modern science and traditional knowledge, fostering innovative forest management practices.
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Credit: Michael Held/Unsplash
Wildfires in California burn fiercely through the night
Climate change is intensifying nighttime wildfires in California, making them larger and harder to control, as observed over the recent July 4 weekend.
In short:
- Wildfires in California are growing and spreading overnight due to climate change, challenging firefighting efforts.
- Overnight fires, now more frequent, expand rapidly and give firefighters less time to intervene.
- Continuous nighttime burning is linked to extreme weather conditions, including heat waves and droughts.
Key quote:
“Night won’t save us. With climate change, we will see more and more overnight burning.”
— Kaiwei Luo, doctoral student in environmental sciences at the University of Alberta.
Why this matters:
Nighttime fires present unique challenges for firefighters. The cooler temperatures and higher humidity that typically help to suppress fires overnight are no longer as reliable. Instead, hotter nights and drier conditions allow fires to spread rapidly and unpredictably, endangering communities and natural habitats.
Related EHN coverage:
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Credit: James Fitzgerald/Unsplash
Native tribes use controlled burns to save sequoias
In response to devastating wildfires, Indigenous tribes in California have resumed cultural burns to protect ancient sequoia trees.
In short:
- Tribes including the Tule River, North Fork Mono, and Tübatulabal are conducting controlled burns to prevent wildfires and protect sequoia forests.
- These cultural burns were banned in the 19th century but were reintroduced in 2022 after extreme wildfires highlighted their necessity.
- Cultural burns help manage forest undergrowth, preserve sequoias, and maintain Indigenous cultural practices.
Key quote:
"I want to tell the spirit on the other side of the sun to give us power for this burn. Give us a good burn."
— Robert Gomez, chairman of the Tübatulabal Tribe
Why this matters:
Restoring traditional burning practices aids in wildfire prevention and helps maintain the health and cultural heritage of sequoia forests. As climate change intensifies, these practices are could be valuable for forest resilience and community survival.
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Credit: Matt Palmer/Unsplash
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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Credit: Brent Olson/Pixabay
Texas weather extremes becoming increasingly common
Extreme weather in Texas, including wildfires, thunderstorms and flooding, is intensifying due to climate change, according to scientists.
Alejandra Martinez and Yuriko Schumacher report for The Texas Tribune.
In short:
- Texas experienced record-breaking wildfires, tornadoes, severe storms and a tropical storm in the first half of 2024.
- Scientists attribute these events to rising temperatures and altered precipitation patterns from greenhouse gas emissions.
- Texas is witnessing more intense rainfall in wet regions and amplified drought in dry regions.
Key quote:
“Rainfall is being concentrated in these really high-intensity storms. And then the areas that are historically dry, the lack of rainfall is also being amplified.”
— Avantika Gori, assistant professor of civil and environmental engineering at Rice University.
Why this matters:
For the residents of Texas, these changes are not just statistics but a harsh reality. Families are being displaced, properties are being destroyed and the landscape of the state is being reshaped. Farmers and ranchers are particularly hard-hit, with crops and livestock suffering from the unpredictable and extreme weather patterns.
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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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