Environment and Climate Change Canada experts have issued a dire forecast for the upcoming summer, predicting abnormally hot weather that may intensify this year’s record-breaking wildfire season.
Meteorologist Armel Castellan and research scientist Nathan Gillett delivered the forecast on Tuesday, highlighting the wide-ranging effects of human-induced climate change, including economic losses, social disruption, environmental damage, and loss of life.
There are currently over 400 wildfires burning across Canada, according to the Globe and Mail, with approximately half classified as out of control. The scorched area spans more than 5.9 million hectares, making it the most severe wildfire season in the country’s recorded history.
The experts warned of potential consequences resulting from the forecast, including an increased frequency of wildfires surpassing local management capabilities, forced evacuations due to fires, poor air quality from smoke, heightened health risks and mortality rates for vulnerable communities during heatwaves, as well as continued drought conditions.
Furthermore, the smoke produced by the wildfires is expected to further degrade air quality, federal health officials warned during a recent briefing.
Chief public health officer Theresa Tam urged individuals to monitor the air quality health index and take necessary precautions, such as utilizing indoor air filtration systems and wearing masks when the air becomes hazardous to breathe.
Tam also highlighted the dangers of microscopic particles present in wildfire smoke that can enter the bloodstream upon inhalation, potentially leading to heightened risk of heart attacks and other cardiovascular problems.
“No matter where you live in Canada, you can be affected by wildfire smoke,” said Tam. "In addition, wildfires often occur during extreme summer heat. Each of these events can pose a significant threat to our health, especially when combined."
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