Increase in Forest Fires Linked to Global Warming
In recent years, forest fires have dramatically increased in Canada and globally, with 2023 witnessing the burning of 15 million hectares. Discover how global warming is significantly contributing to this alarming trend of increased forest fires.
ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
8/5/20263 min read
Introduction to the Recent Forest Fires in Canada
Over recent years, forest fires in Canada but also throughout the world have become larger, more destructive, and increased in duration. In 2023, Canadian forest fires burned up to 15 million hectares. The most obvious contributor to this is global warming and as the Earth continues to warm up, the worse these fires will be. As these fires spread smoke to parts of the United States and Europe, there continue to be health risks and air quality issues.
The Causes Behind Increasing Forest Fires
The rise in frequency and intensity of forest fires in Canada can be attributed to several interconnected factors. Primarily, climate change plays a vital role; increasing temperatures and prolonged drought conditions create a perfect environment for wildfires to ignite and spread. Climate change has been getting worse due to the increase of greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere, trapping more and more sunlight in Earth. However, there are some other factors that contribute to these fires. About half of Canada's forest fires are started by lightning strikes onto trees. Lighting caused forest fires are usually harder to stop because no one knows when and where they happen until the fire gets bigger and bigger. At the contrary, forest fires are also started by human activity which can include something as small as a cigarette to something as noticeable as a campfire. However, these fires are usually easier to put out early because humans can alert other people and they usually happen closer to society. Again, the intensity of these fires has increased because of global warming, breeding the conditions for the fire to continue growing and growing.
Consequences of Poor Air Quality Due to Forest Fires
The consequences of the recent forest fires extend far beyond the immediate physical destruction of ecosystems. One of the most pressing issues is the deterioration of air quality, which poses serious health risks to populations. Poor air quality can lead to various respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular problems, and heightened susceptibility to infections. Vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions are particularly at risk. Some cities may have air quality so bad that the people are not able to leave their homes for days. This does not only include cities in Canada though. In fact, the wind carries the polluted air from Canada all over multiple states in the US and sometimes countries in Europe, putting all these people in the same health risks. The reason why the air ion wildfires is so dangerous is because of all the chemicals and air pollutants it carries, mainly P.M 2.5. PM stands for particulate matter and these are tiny liquid droplets and solid particles suspended in the air. In the case of wildfires this can include things like soot and ash. Particulate matter is so small that it can easily penetrate into the human body through entrances like the nose, mouth, and eyes. This allows these particles to reach the deepest parts of the lungs and enter the bloodstream. Furthermore, smoke in general contains a lot of harmful chemicals like carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and VOCs. These can increase blood pressure and increase the risk of heart attacks. Even more common symptoms can include wheezing, coughing, burning eyes, and sore throat.
Conclusion: The Way Forward
Addressing the issue of forest fires and their impact on air quality requires a multifaceted approach. Proactive policy measures aimed at climate change mitigation, alongside improved forest management practices, are crucial in curbing the frequency of such devastating events. Public awareness and community engagement are also integral to fostering resilience in the face of environmental challenges. As forest fires in Canada continue to rise, it is imperative to act swiftly to protect both the environment and public health.
Sources:
Croft, Rowan. 2025. “Why Are Canada’s Wildfires Getting Worse? An Explainer | The Northern Star.” Thenorthernstar.Ca. https://thenorthernstar.ca/why-canada-wildfires-are-worse/.
Science Insights Team. 2026. “Why Canada’s Wildfires Are So Frequent and Severe - ScienceInsights.” ScienceInsights. March 18, 2026. https://scienceinsights.org/why-canadas-wildfires-are-so-frequent-and-severe/.
US EPA, OAR. 2015. “Managing Air Quality - Air Pollutant Types.” US EPA. https://www.epa.gov/air-quality-management-process/managing-air-quality-air-pollutant-types.