Our thoughts are with everyone affected by wildfires this summer. The devastation and loss to communities, culture, cherished landscapes and parks, ecosystems and wildlife not only weighs heavily on us at CPAWS but brings grief to many people across Canada.  

Many communities have been displaced due to precautionary evacuations or after losing their homes. At the end of July, the B.C. Wildfire Service reported 386 active wildfires across the province, while Alberta reported 117, with dozens more burning throughout Saskatchewan, the Northwest Territories, and the Yukon.* Smoke from these wildfires extended as far as Ontario and Quebec. 

Science tells us that climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of wildfires. This has us worried about how communities and ecosystems will continue to be impacted into the future.   

Parks and protected areas don’t prevent fire, but they do limit other stressors, such as industrial disturbance, on habitat and wildlife. 

In addition to protected areas, actions including robust land use planning, preventing damaging development projects, and ensuring effective forest management practices are essential.  We must urgently act to reduce our fossil fuel emissions, while protecting landscapes that store immense volumes of carbon as a nature-based climate solution. 

👉If you are not in an area impacted by wildfire, there are many things that you can do. Here is a very short list – consider choosing one thing that works for you: 

* Source: News – The Weather Network

Top banner photo credit: Tandem Stock