The wildfires in Canada pose major health threats to at least 100 million people in both Canada and the US. Canada is reportedly going through its “worst wildfire season” in recorded history, according to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
According to the Canadian National Fire Database, there have been more than 3.8 million hectares burned so far, an area about twice the size of New Jersey.
Canada Wildfires are affecting everyday routines, lives, livelihoods, and air quality
The wildfires in Canada have caused the displacement of more than 20,000 people. Pollution in New York is caused by 150 active wildfires in Quebec. New York City reported some of the worst air pollution of any city in the world as of Wednesday afternoon.
The ominous, yellowish glow that the dense pollution cloud threw over Manhattan’s renowned skyscrapers caused aircraft delays and forced the cancellation of sporting activities.
Due to poor air quality, Major League Baseball postponed Wednesday’s game between the New York Yankees and Chicago White Sox as well as the Philadelphia Phillies’ home game against the Detroit Tigers. Postponements were also issued by the Women’s NBA and National Women’s Soccer League. In the music world, the Brooklyn concert series’ inaugural night, which was scheduled to feature Corinne Bailey Rae, was canceled.
US President Joe Biden on Wednesday spoke to Trudeau and offered “additional support to respond to the devasting and historic wildfires.” Trudeau on Twitter said, “These fires are affecting everyday routines, lives, and livelihoods, and our air quality.”