My city has the worst air quality in North America today
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- Published on Sunday, 29 November -0001 16:00
- Written by editor
Paov,
With wildfires burning in Quebec and across Canada, millions of people woke up this morning to an eerie red sun and smoke-filled air.
As of this morning Kingston, Ontario, where I live, had the worst air quality in North America.
It’s just as bad in Ottawa, where my parents, sister, aunts and uncles live. Forecasts predict that over the next few days, half of Canada’s population will be exposed to dangerously polluted air, a toxic mix of particles and other pollutants that can cause serious health issues, especially among children and older adults. The weather app on my phone had an ominous message this morning: “worst air quality in a lifetime for many.”
While those of us in urban areas try our best to... protect ourselves and our loved ones from toxic smoke, rural and Indigenous communities caught in the path of these out-of-control wildfires have been forced to flee for their lives. We know you’re probably thinking about that too, and wondering how you can help.
In our blog, we’ve also compiled a list of community-led fundraisers and calls for mutual aid. Please give generously if you can.
We know the situation is changing quickly so we’re updating this list as we learn more -- please reply to this email if you’re aware of other fundraisers we can promote.
If you’re as concerned about the climate crisis as I am, you might feel a little numb when yet another extreme weather event makes the news. But this situation is truly unprecedented. Right now, major fires are burning in every province and territory except PEI and Nunavut. The number of fires and area burned is 13 times the 10-year average for this time of year.1
I know moments like these can be hard. I’ve certainly felt my share of dread and climate anxiety over the past few days. But knowing that thousands of you are reading this, and taking action together to win the systemic changes we need, gives me the hope and motivation to keep going.
Today, Prime Minister Trudeau held a press conference where he warned Canadians that this will likely be the worst summer of wildfires on record. It’s terrifying to think that this is only the beginning if we stay the course of climate inaction.
What’s worse is that the Trudeau government is still spending billions of our tax dollars on subsidies for the fossil fuel companies responsible for this crisis.
Enough is enough; with wildfires and smoke literally bringing the climate crisis to millions of peoples’ doorsteps this week, let’s demand an end to all subsidies for the fossil fuel industry now.
In solidarity,
Chris
PS: We want to know how we can be as helpful and effective as possible during the brutal summer ahead. If you have thoughts or ideas, just hit reply and let us know. We’re in this together.
1: Toronto Star
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