Canada’s recent Wildfires, that started in Shelburne County, Nova Scotia on May 27, 2023, has now spread over 250 square kilometres, becoming the largest wildfires in all of Canada. The wildfires, caused by both lightning and human activity have continued to increase as the air quality in Canada and USA continue to decline immensely.
Canada now holds sixth worst air quality in the world, slowly decreasing while USA suffers the effects of the Canadian wildfires. Apple takes this opportunity to add an “Air Quality Index” in its Weather apps; now reporting the daily air quality and health risk around location. This feature is now available to many countries with IOS 14.7.
The environmental impact of the wildfires leaves forests, homes, and ecosystems; destroyed furthermore reducing harvests for food and vast effect on the national health system. Nova Scotia takes majority impact as more than two hundred homes have been destroyed with Quebec and Ontario coming in second and third.
The release of carbon monoxide and other greenhouse gases are now causing a disturbance in the Earth’s atmosphere, potentially causing long-term outcomes, caused by the wildfires. Furthermore, the lives of Canadians are at a greater health risk like never before and communities have been destroyed. How will this wildfire potentially affect the lives of US citizens? What is the Canadian government doing to address and aid this situation?
Athisayaa Prabagar, Intern
