Dogwood News This Week:

Details: Published on Sunday, 29 November -0001 16:00; Written by editor

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news and action Friday July 7, 2023 July 3, 2023 was the hottest day we know of in the history of the planet… a record that lasted all of 24 hours. On July 4, temperatures soared 0.17 degrees Celsius higher.

Here in B.C., we’re feeling the heat. More than one million hectares of land and woods has burned up because of wildfires this year, making 2023 the third worst fire season on record. When combined with the fires in the rest of Canada, it’s the worst year yet.

There have been 637 fires in the province, and authorities are warning the rest of this month and August will be even worse. Hotter,... drier conditions are mostly to blame for that.

Last week was the two year anniversary of B.C.’s devastating heat dome. Hotter temperatures are becoming a way of life, as predicted. It’s on us to look after each other and help people who need it, if we can.

It’s also important to ask for help when you’re the one struggling. If you feel at risk of overheating, reach out to family or neighbours. You can also call your municipality office and ask where to find support.

Here are more tips to help get through the heat:

Drink more water than you usually do
Avoid physical exertion during peak hot hours, if possible
If your home gets too hot, cool down in a cold shower, or head to a grocery store, mall, public library or rec centre
Avoid getting sunburned — it makes it harder for your body to cool itself
Never leave children or pets inside a parked vehicle when it’s hot outside
Check on at-risk family members, neighbours and friends
Buy a fan, and consider installing air conditioning or a heat pump if you have the means

Take care of yourself, and those around you if you can.
NEWS Stories we’re following

Smoke and mirrors Oil companies are trying to paint themselves as innocent bystanders while climate catastrophes unfold. -The Breach

Playing to the crowd Is the “Minister of Greenwash” Jonathan Wilkinson using a ridiculous myth to gain favour in Alberta? - Edmonton Journal

Losing bet U.S. public pension funds would be $21 billion richer if they had stopped banking on coal, oil and gas. -DeSmog

The eye-popping price of wildfires The health costs of people breathing in wildfires smoke will add up to $1.28 billion… in only one week… in only one province. - Climate Institute

Unprotected on the frontlines More than 85 per cent of Canadian firefighter death claims are for cancer, from breathing in toxic smoke without proper protection. - CBC

People with low incomes left to die Poverty created the biggest risk of death during the heat dome, placing people in greater danger than any chronic health condition or disability. - The Energy Mix

A broken system Indigenous families and kids are disproportionately targeted, mistreated and neglected by the Ministry of Child and Family Development. - The Discourse
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