Climate change doubles Canada wildfire likelihood

A report by World Weather Attribution, an international team of scientists, found that the hot, dry, and windy conditions that fueled severe July wildfires in Canada — Ontario and Canada — Northwest Territories were made roughly twice as likely due to human-induced climate change. The report indicates that such conditions, once rarer than once in 40 years, can now be expected every two to six years in the Canada — Northwest Territories and every six to fifteen years in Canada — Ontario. Early estimates suggest this is the worst wildfire season on record in Canada — Ontario and among the top ten in the Canada — Northwest Territories. Thousands of evacuees from more than a dozen predominantly First Nations communities fled their homes, and smoke deteriorated air quality for millions from Thunder Bay to the northeastern United States. The report highlights the disproportionate impact on First Nations and calls for adaptation measures, but emphasizes that reducing fossil fuel emissions is essential. The study was noted by United Nations climate chief Simon Stiell, who linked the fires to humanity's addiction to fossil fuels. Chief Russell Wesley of Canada — Cat Lake First Nation called for action on 11 priorities, including a First Nations wildfire authority and expanded Indigenous fire stewardship programs.