Canada has long been a land of breathtaking landscapes and lush forests, but in recent years, the country has faced an alarming threat: wildfires. As these infernos rage with unprecedented intensity, we must question the role of climate change in their increasing devastation.

With less rain and more heat, Canadian forests ignite with uncontrollable fires that destroy communities and ecosystems alike. Let’s take a look at the potential impact of climate change on Canada’s wildfires, exploring the interconnected consequences that link these environmental phenomena.

• Are Canada’s wildfires fulled by climate change?
• 2023: A Record Year
• The Impact of Wildfires in Canada
• Mitigating Wildfire Risks
• What is being done about Canada’s wildfire season?

Are Canada’s wildfires fuelled by climate change?

The devastating wildfires that have raged throughout Canada in recent years have raised concerns about climate change. While wildfires are a natural part of Canada’s ecosystem, the growing severity and frequency suggest climate change is acting as a significant catalyst, exacerbating wildfire risks.

Scientists can’t directly link wildfires to climate change, as human factors and how we manage land are also contributors. But climate change makes severe weather conditions more likely, causing drought and intense heat that lead to wildfires.

Springs and Summers in Canada have been much warmer and drier than usual, creating the perfect environment for fires to catch. Parts of Canada, like Alberta and Saskatchewan, have been in a drought since 2020.

Humans generally cause wildfires through barbecues, fire pits, and cigarettes, but climate change has a lot to do with the dry land that causes these fires to grow out of control.

Learn More: Climate Change vs Global Warming: What’s the Difference?

Rising Temperatures and Heat Waves

As global temperatures continue to rise due to climate change, Canada has started to experience hotter and longer summers. These elevated temperatures create the perfect environment for wildfires to catch, as they dry out vegetation and increase the flammability of forested areas.

The prolonged heat waves provide the ideal conditions for wildfires to ignite and spread rapidly, leading to larger and more destructive fire events that destroy communities and ecosystems.

Drought and Changing Precipitation Patterns

Climate change has altered precipitation patterns in Canada, resulting in drier conditions in many regions. Reduced snowpack, earlier snowmelt, and prolonged droughts create a parched landscape, making forests and grasslands more susceptible to ignition.

The lack of moisture significantly increases the likelihood of wildfires igniting and spreading, posing significant challenges for firefighting efforts.

Increase in Frequency of Lightning Strikes

Lightning is a natural cause of wildfires, and climate change is associated with an upsurge in lightning activity. Warmer temperatures and changes in atmospheric conditions contribute to the formation of thunderstorms, increasing the frequency of lightning strikes.

These lightning-induced fires can ignite in remote areas, where they can quickly grow and become more challenging to control. For example, Quebec is currently suffering from a series of lightning strikes that occurred across the province on June 1st.

2023 on course to be a record year for wildfires in Canada

In July, 2023 officially became the worst wildfire season in Canadian history. Unfortunately, experts believe that similar wildfire seasons will become the new normal in Canada.

How did the 2023 wildfires in Canada start?

Alberta declared the first local state of emergency on May 4th, 2023. As of July 24th, there are more than 583 active fires blazing through Canada.

With nearly 4,285 wildfires so far this year, the majority are believed to be started by humans, and some by lightning strikes.

The Impact of Wildfires in Canada

Wildfires have far-reaching and profound impacts on various aspects of the environment, economy, and human well-being.

By acknowledging the link between climate change and wildfires, we can develop effective strategies to mitigate their impacts. This necessitates a comprehensive approach that combines climate change mitigation efforts with improved wildfire management techniques.

Loss of Biodiversity

Wildfires can destroy natural habitats, leading to the loss of plant and animal species. Ecosystems often struggle to recover after a fire, disrupting the delicate balance of biodiversity.

Air Pollution

The smoke generated by wildfires releases vast amounts of pollutants, including carbon dioxide, particulate matter, and toxic gases. This can degrade air quality, leading to respiratory problems, cardiovascular issues, and other health concerns.

Infrastructure Damage

Wildfires can cause significant damage to infrastructure. The cost of repairing and rebuilding these structures can be substantial, burdening local economies and governments.

Respiratory Issues

Smoke from wildfires contains hazardous pollutants and fine particulate matter that can penetrate deep into the respiratory system. This can exacerbate existing respiratory conditions, trigger asthma attacks, and increase the risk of respiratory infections. 

Loss of Economic Activities

Industries such as agriculture, forestry, tourism, and recreation can suffer severe disruptions due to wildfires. Crops may be damaged, timber resources destroyed, and tourism activities curtailed, leading to economic setbacks for local communities and businesses.

Learn More: The Consequences of Deforestation

Mitigating Wildfire Risks

As Canadian summers grow hotter and fires strengthen, adopting comprehensive strategies can help mitigate their risks. Effectively managing wildfires requires a multifaceted approach that addresses the underlying causes and implements measures to reduce their impact.

Climate Change Mitigation Efforts

Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Greenhouse gas emissions are a major contributor to climate change and global warming. We can help mitigate climate change by adopting sustainable transportation systems, transitioning to clean and renewable energy sources, and promoting energy efficiency. 

Sustainable Land Use Practices

Conserving and protecting natural landscapes, including forests, grasslands, and wetlands, help mitigate climate change and reduce wildfire risks. Reforestation, afforestation, and responsible agriculture can all help enhance ecosystem resilience and decrease Canada’s susceptibility to wildfires.

Improved Wildfire Management Techniques

Early Detection and Monitoring Systems

Investing in advanced technologies and systems for early wildfire detection can facilitate rapid response and containment efforts. This includes utilizing satellite imagery, aerial surveillance, ground-based sensors, and community reporting systems to detect and report fires as early as possible.

Controlled Burns and Fuel Reduction

Implementing controlled burns in strategic areas can help reduce the accumulation of dry fuel, lowering the risk of intense wildfires. Fuel reduction techniques, such as creating firebreaks, can help reduce the accumulation of dry fuel, lowering the risk of intense wildfires.

What is being done about Canada’s wildfire season?

With over 10 million hectares burning and over 150,000 Canadians displaced, Canada has no choice but to acknowledge that climate change is adding fuel to the fire. 

Climate policies are taking shape in Ottawa, including bills for clean electricity regulations, increased carbon prices, caps on emissions from oil and gas, and new clean fuel standards.

The Government of Canada is also implementing direct support that includes Federal Assistance to combat the wildfires and funding to train Indigenous firefighters. 

Canada is also looking to adopt a Wildfire Resilient Initiative to enhance the FireSmart Canada program, increase Canadians’ resilience to wildfires through fire knowledge and research, and transform wildland fire management.