Air pollution
As wildfires in northern Ontario push Toronto's air quality to among the worst in the world, experts warn young children are especially at risk of smoke exposure, which can have long-term ramifications for their development. Children's small bodies and developing lungs make them more vulnerable to
Climate change
Canada has witnessed unprecedented environmental disasters in recent years, with record-breaking wildfires and heatwaves becoming increasingly frequent. The Canadian government, however, has introduced the One Canadian Economy Act (Bill C-5), which prioritizes economic interests over environmental protection and Indigenous sovereignty. The bill's passage has been met with widespread
Climate change
Climate change, environment and resources in Canada take a backseat as the country is dealing with the aftermath of floods in Texas, Canada's wildfires are still a pressing concern. With more than 560 active wildfires burning across the country, five provinces and one territory have issued wildfire advisories.
Climate change
Peatland wildfires are increasingly severe due to climate change and anthropogenic activities, posing significant threats to carbon and nitrogen storage in these ecosystems. A recent study in western Finland examined the impact of two large-scale wildfires on carbon and nitrogen dynamics in peatlands. The research revealed significant carbon and nitrogen
Climate change
Intense heatwaves, wildfires, flash floods, and the rapid melting of glaciers are some of the devastating effects of climate change being experienced across the globe. Europe and South Asia are among the regions most severely impacted, with countries like Pakistan, India, and China struggling with severe flooding, heatwaves, and heavy
Natural resources
Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) called out U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz for the Trump Administration's Fiscal Year 2026 budget request, which cuts funding for wildfire response and public safety by 65%. Heinrich grilled Schultz during a U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing,
Natural resources
Senator Maria Cantwell questioned Tom Schultz, U.S. Forest Service Chief, about why the Trump Administration is withholding funding for the 2025 wildfire season, potentially leaving Washington State's wildfire response unprepared during a high-risk season. Cantwell emphasized the importance of releasing the funds for firefighting training, equipment, and
Natural resources
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, a senior member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, has questioned the Trump Administration's decision to withhold an estimated $20 million in funding from Washington State for the 2025 wildfire season. The funding, part of the State, Private, and Tribal
Natural resources
The U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee faced a heated debate over the US Forest Service's budget and wildfire response at a hearing last Thursday. The exchange highlighted the partisan divide on how to manage federal-state partnerships and allocate responsibility for wildfire prevention and management. Members
Climate change
Researchers at the University of Brasilia have conducted a study on the ecotoxicological effects of fire retardants (FRs) on zebrafish in early life stages. The study, published in the Journal of Xenobiotics, reveals that three commercially available FRs exhibit varying levels of toxicity, with one FR, N-Phosphate-, showing significant toxicity
Natural resources
A 2,161-acre fire, known as the Hope fire, is burning near the Columbia River in Washington State's Stevens County, forcing evacuations and threatening structures. The fire, which was first reported at 1:15 p.m., has prompted officials to issue Level 3 and Level 2 evacuation warnings,
Climate change
A new study reveals the spatiotemporal evolution of wildfires in China, highlighting the critical role of climate change and human activities in the escalation of this threat. The research, conducted by a team of scientists at Chang'an University, used MODIS satellite data and interpretable machine learning models to
