Cheyenne Sundance • August 8, 2024
The recent wildfires in Jasper, Alberta and BC have devastated communities and destroyed huge swathes of forests. The impact on communities and land that people are deeply connected to has naturally inspired emotional responses of grief, loss, anger and anxiety from those affected. Extreme weather events are becoming the norm and every year sweltering summer temperatures in the Canadian Arctic and below make wildfires an inevitability. Despite this fact, each year the Alberta government has cut funding for park management and wildfire response – these types of actions clash can engender feelings of rage and anger towards the systems and institutions that are responsible for protecting and supporting communities on the forefront of climate-related changes.
This is particularly relevant for forest fires which are closely connected to the climate crisis. Climate change, driven by human activities such as the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation, has significant impacts on the Earth’s climate system. This climate system needs a balance for all ecosystems to be in harmony. These changes due to climate change contribute to conditions that increase the frequency, intensity and severity of forest fires.
Warmer temperatures are one of the most notable impacts of the climate crisis and the rise in global temperatures. In Canada, and particularly in northern regions, this warming trend has been observed over the past several decades. Warmer temperatures contribute to the drying of vegetation, making it more susceptible to ignition and increasing the chance of wildfires.
Changes in precipitation patterns can lead to shifts in the timing and amount of rainfall and snowfall. In some regions, this can result in prolonged periods of drought, creating dry conditions that favor the ignition and spread of wildfires. Tall brush thus makes it a recipe for disaster.
In northern parts of Canada, where permafrost is present, climate change has led to the melting of these frozen soils. This can affect the composition of ecosystems and make them more vulnerable to wildfires. Changes in permafrost can also release stored carbon, contributing to the carbon cycle and making climate change worse.
Climate change is associated with longer and more intense fire seasons. We have seen this once again in 2024 with the devastating wildfires in Alberta Canada. In 2023, eastern Ontario suffered significant numbers of wildfires and historically, certain regions of British Columbia have been tinderboxes in the summer heat. The 2023 wildfire season was officially the most expensive and most destructive on record. According to the B.C. Wildfire Service (BCWS), a total of 2,217 fires have been detected this year, burning almost 25,000 square kilometres of trees, bush and grassland. As temperatures rise and snowmelt occurs earlier in the year, the window for potential wildfire activity expands. This longer fire season increases the risk of wildfires occurring and makes it challenging for firefighting efforts to manage and contain them.
Forest fires can have significant health impacts on both the environment and individuals. The specific health effects can vary depending on factors such as the intensity and duration of the fire, the type of vegetation burning, and the proximity of individuals to the affected areas.
One of the most immediate and widespread health impacts of forest fires is the inhalation of smoke and particulate matter. Fine particles, known as PM2.5, can penetrate deep into the lungs and may lead to respiratory problems such as aggravated asthma, bronchitis and other respiratory illnesses. Individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions are particularly vulnerable.
Exposure to smoke from forest fires has been associated with cardiovascular problems. The fine particles in smoke can enter the bloodstream, potentially leading to heart attacks, strokes and other cardiovascular issues.
Smoke and ash from forest fires can cause eye irritation and skin problems. This is particularly true for individuals with sensitive skin or pre-existing skin conditions.
People with pre-existing health conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or cardiovascular diseases may experience exacerbation of their symptoms due to the poor air quality associated with forest fires.
Prolonged exposure to air pollution from forest fires have long-term health effects including an increased risk of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Children, the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with compromised immune systems are often more vulnerable to the health impacts of forest fires.
Wildfires can have profound and lasting effects on mental health, both for individuals directly affected by the fires and those who experience them indirectly. Direct exposure to wildfires, whether through evacuation, loss of home or witnessing the destruction, can lead to trauma and acute stress. People may experience symptoms such as nightmares, flashbacks and heightened anxiety. These effects can be particularly intense for those who have experienced a sudden evacuation or loss of their homes. With loss comes grief often. Dealing with the grief and loss associated with these events can be emotionally challenging. Individuals may go through stages of grief, including denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. A loss of community in the feeling of harmony and safety can vanish as fast as the wildfires came in. The mental health effects of wildfires can persist long after the immediate threat has passed. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression and anxiety disorders may develop or persist as people grapple with the aftermath of the wildfires.
Addressing the connection between forest fires and the climate crisis involves mitigating greenhouse gas emissions, adapting to changing climate conditions, and implementing effective forest management practices. Proactive measures, such as controlled burns and sustainable land-use planning, can help reduce the risk and impact of wildfires in the context of a changing climate. Advocating for climate justice on a whole directly ties in to forest fire mitigation.
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