New York is Orange and Canada Is Burning

Air Quality levels in New York have surpassed hazardous levels this week due to Canadian wildfires.  The levels are considered unhealthy for the general public.  Public health officials have advised the general public to refrain from strenuous activities as thick blankets of orange smoke cover the atmosphere.  Approximately 400 fires were burning in Canada on Tuesday evening many of which are considered out of control The wildfires considered to be out of control began in Quebec where weather conditions are unusually dry and very high in heat temperatures.

By Wednesday Morning, the New York skyline was fully embroiled in a stretch of hazy fire colored smoke.  It’s even been described as looking similar to a “post-apocalyptic hellscape.” There was a strong permeating smell of smoke, which increased in concentration by the afternoon.   Wildfires have mostly affected the state of California in recent months.  It could be a shocker to some that the Canadian provinces of Quebec, Ontario and Nova Scotia are also experiencing uncontainable wildfires.

These wildfires are strong indicators of the current climate crisis at hand.  Air pollutions due to wildfires are at an all time high and the health risks they impose can be deadly.   Wildfire smoke increases the risk of respiratory and lung diseases such as asthma and lung cancer.  Viruses such as Covid-19 and influenza have been linked to increases in wildfire smoke.

 Forest and wild fires have been increasing at exponential rates within the past several years.   The lasting impacts of the wildfires have been detrimental to society and the health of people and the environment. The public at large is extremely unprepared to endure the current climate crisis.  The seriousness of the climate crisis is now more real than ever.  As the earth continues to warm up, forest fires will continue to burn bigger, quicker and hotter.  We must act now.