Experts say wildfires make climate crisis impossible to ignore
As wildfires continue to burn across Canada causing poor air quality on the east coast and south of the border, some experts say the climate crisis is impossible to ignore.
“I would like to indicate that climate change has been triggering diverse extreme events, wildfires are only one type of disasters,” said Dr. Haorui Wu, Canada Research Chair in Resilience and an associate professor at Dalhousie University's School of Social Work.
Wu says drought, flooding, hurricanes and heat waves in the summer, and winter storms and extreme low temperature in winters, are becoming more normal.
“With accelerated climate change, Nova Scotia has already experienced increased extreme events, for example, hurricanes have become the annual events. It is expected that wildfires will be increased as well. If not, other extreme weather events (e.g., flooding and drought) would become more frequently,” he said.
Newfoundland and Labrador currently has four working water bombers in its fleet, which are helping fight the fires in Canada.
A fifth water bomber is currently undergoing repairs.
The planes are helping douse the flames in Nova Scotia, a province that doesn’t have any water bombers of its own.
“The Department is continually assessing its needs and making recommendations, as part of its regular course of business. At the moment however, our sole focus is on fighting the wildfires,” said a spokesperson for the province.
Wu says although it is not nice, disasters provide a great opportunity to raise the local residents’ awareness for disaster and emergency management.
“Raising awareness is the first step so that the residents could use different ways to prepare for the disasters. For example, they might develop a family-based emergency plan. They might also reach out to their local MPs to pursue the political interventions,” said Wu.
Wu thinks water bombers should be available for emergency response, and is hoping the government will look at improving evacuation strategies.
For More Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.