wildfire
Credit: David Wilson/Flickr
Wildfires are pushing Alberta's caribou to the brink
The relentless wildfires in Alberta are decimating the already endangered woodland caribou population, raising urgent questions about their survival.
In short:
- Alberta's woodland caribou are losing critical habitat to unprecedented wildfires, with 2023 alone seeing over 5% of their range destroyed.
- The caribou, adapted to old-growth forests, now face threats from more frequent and severe fires, further compounded by human disturbances like logging and oil extraction.
- Indigenous communities and environmental groups are increasingly alarmed, noting that without immediate action, caribou may vanish from Alberta's landscape.
Key quote:
“It’s a question that could extend beyond caribou. How do we account for climate change and these larger events, whether it’s wildfires, rain, snow or flooding, in management plans and conservation efforts?”
— Laura Finnegan, caribou program manager, fRI Research
Why this matters:
With only 2,000 of these animals remaining in Alberta, the question looms: can they adapt quickly enough to survive, or are we witnessing the final chapter in the story of these once-thriving herds? Read more: US wildfires’ increasing toll on wildlife.
Keep reading...Show less
Newsletter
Credit: Jackie Burton/Pixabay
Canadian wildfire smoke creates severe air pollution in New Jersey
A Rutgers study reveals that wildfire smoke from Canada in 2023 caused dangerous air pollution in New Jersey, particularly impacting vulnerable communities.
In short:
- Rutgers researchers found that wildfire smoke caused hazardous air quality in New Jersey on June 7, 2023.
- Vulnerable communities, particularly those lacking air conditioning, were at heightened risk from the pollution.
- The study suggests ongoing concerns due to the unique chemical composition of the smoke particles.
Key quote:
“We’re worried we don’t know enough about the composition [of these particles] to understand the full implications.”
— José Guillermo Cedeño Laurent, director of Rutgers CARE Lab
Why this matters:
Wildfire smoke poses a growing health threat as climate change increases the frequency and intensity of fires. The chemical composition of the smoke particles could have long-term health impacts, especially for those in disadvantaged communities.
Related EHN coverage:
Keep reading...Show less
Wildfire smoke may harm IVF outcomes in affected areas
Women undergoing IVF in regions impacted by wildfires may face challenges in conception due to exposure to poor air quality, according to a study from Oregon Health & Science University.
In short:
- A study linked wildfire smoke with reduced effectiveness of IVF treatments, particularly in producing blastocysts.
- Researchers observed these effects in women undergoing IVF during the 2020 Oregon wildfires.
- The study suggests using air filtration and protective measures for women in wildfire-prone areas.
Key quote:
“Minimizing exposure as much as possible is probably best, not just for reproduction, but for all facets of health.”
— Dr. Molly Kornfield, assistant professor of reproductive endocrinology and infertility at the OHSU Center for Women’s Health
Why this matters:
As wildfires become more frequent, understanding their impact on health, including fertility, is vital. This research highlights the importance of mitigating poor air quality for better reproductive outcomes.
Related EHN coverage:
Keep reading...Show less
Newsletter
Credit: Iofoto/Big Stock Photo
The Maui fires may cause long-term health problems
Wildfire survivors in Maui face increasing health problems, with preliminary research showing rising cases of respiratory issues, mental health struggles and exposure to heavy metals.
In short:
- Early findings from the Maui Wildfire Exposure Study show many survivors experiencing declining health, including respiratory issues and anxiety.
- Researchers have found a potential link between heavy metal exposure, particularly arsenic, and respiratory problems among participants.
- Many survivors face housing insecurity, financial pressure and difficulties accessing medical care, worsening their overall well-being.
Key quote:
“It’s exactly what we had feared and expected.”
— Pedro Haro, executive director of the American Lung Association in Hawaii
Why this matters:
The long-term health effects of the Maui fires could be similar to those experienced by survivors of the 9/11 attacks, necessitating increased medical support. Understanding these health impacts is crucial as climate change increases the frequency and intensity of wildfires globally.
Keep reading...Show less
Newsletter
Credit: Karen Smith/Pixabay
Maui residents doubt settlement will restore community
A year after the devastating wildfire in Lāhainā, Maui, residents remain skeptical that a proposed $4 billion settlement will truly aid their community's recovery.
In short:
- The proposed settlement of $4 billion involves Hawaiian Electric and other defendants, but questions remain about how funds will be distributed among survivors, insurers and attorneys.
- Many displaced residents continue to struggle with housing and health issues, highlighting skepticism about the settlement's effectiveness.
- Grassroots organizations call for infrastructure funding to address long-term rebuilding rather than focusing solely on individual payouts.
Key quote:
“We have one shot to do this right. And while individual cash payouts are crucial to the immediate relief of many, they don't get us much closer to that collective objective.”
— Lāhainā Community Land Trust via social media
Why this matters:
The settlement highlights the ongoing challenges of addressing the aftermath of climate-induced disasters. Without adequate support for rebuilding, affected communities risk losing their cultural and historical identity.
Related:
Keep reading...Show less
Credit: Jackie Burton/Pixabay
Smoke from wildfires increases risk of dementia more than other pollution
Wildfire smoke poses a greater risk of dementia than other types of air pollution, according to a new study.
In short:
- PM2.5 pollution from wildfire smoke is more harmful to brain health than other sources of pollution.
- A study of over 1.2 million people in Southern California showed a significant increase in dementia risk from wildfire smoke.
- The Alzheimer’s Association urges policy changes to prevent wildfires and reduce exposure.
Key quote:
“Air pollution produced by wildfires now accounts for more than 70% of total PM2.5 exposure on poor air quality days in California. This is a real problem.”
— Dr. Holly Elser, neurology resident at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania
Why this matters:
With the increasing frequency of wildfires, understanding their impact on brain health is vital. Effective policies and personal precautions can help mitigate these health risks.
Related EHN coverage:
Keep reading...Show less
Newsletter
Credit: Kym MacKinnon/Unsplash
Disaster funds for heat waves and wildfire smoke face hurdles
As heat waves and wildfire smoke emergencies rise, states struggle to access federal aid due to unclear disaster definitions.
In short:
- Heat waves and wildfire smoke aren’t listed as “major disasters” under FEMA’s guidelines, complicating funding requests.
- States face difficulties in documenting costs and meeting FEMA's requirements for disaster declarations.
- A coalition of states and organizations is pushing for policy changes to recognize heat and smoke as major disasters.
Key quote:
“Our disaster framework is really geared toward protecting property and counting up damages to property.”
— Juanita Constible, senior climate and health advocate at the Natural Resources Defense Council
Why this matters:
Heat waves and wildfire smoke, exacerbated by climate change, cause significant health impacts and economic losses. Recognizing these events as major disasters could unlock essential federal aid for affected communities.
Related EHN coverage:
Keep reading...Show less
ORIGINAL REPORTING
MOST POPULAR
CLIMATE
