Following our recently published report looking at how industry can adapt to rising temperatures and future heatwaves, IMechE Public Affairs and Policy Advisor, Dr Laura Kent, and IMechE Fellow, Dr Tim Fox, review the severity of the situation, the environmental and health implications and some of the engineering challenges.
Canada is currently grappling with an unprecedented wildfire season, fuelled by a warmer and drier spring and increased levels of fuel in the form of dead wood availability resulting from drought and invasive insects (1). The impact has been devastating, with fires burning in nearly all Canadian provinces and territories (2). The consequences of these fires have extended far beyond the affected areas, as smoke blankets large sections of North America, particularly the eastern seaboard region, disrupting daily life and posing significant health risks.
Magnitude of the Crisis:
Officials in Canada have declared this wildfire season as the worst on record. The extent of the fires is staggering, with over 43,000 sq. km of fires have burned so far this year (3). This area is about thirteen times larger than the 10-year average for this time of year. Alongside this, over 120,000 people have had to be temporarily forced from their homes.
Last week, the thick smoke from the wildfires enveloped a substantial portion of North America, leading to widespread disruptions. Flights to and from New York and Philadelphia were impacted due low visibility (4). Some schools have had to cancel outdoor activity (5). Even Broadway Shows have been impacted when Jodie Comer had to walk off stage during a performance due to trouble breathing (6). Major cities such as New York City are experiencing alarmingly poor air quality, ranking among the worst in the world, and the city authorities took action to make 1 million N95 facemasks available to New Yorkers (7). Oil drillers in the Canadian province of Alberta were forced to stop some production as a precautionary measure due to shifting fire conditions (8).
Environmental and Health Risks:
The health implications of inhaling wildfire smoke are profound. Symptoms include shortness of breath, elevated pulse, chest pain, and inflammation of the eyes, nose, and throat. Individuals with pre-existing respiratory diseases face heightened risks, leading to an increase in hospital visits. Furthermore, prolonged exposure to wildfire smoke has been linked to long-term health issues, including cancer and lung disease. Pregnant women and their unborn children are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of prolonged smoke exposure.
Alongside their ability to pollute the air, wildfires have the potential to pollute water and land, and may contribute to climate change by releasing carbon stored in vegetation and forests. The damage to habitats could take years to recover as local flora and fauna are damaged by the fires and firefighting media.
The Government of Canada has put in support to protect communities including funding through the ‘Fighting and Managing Wildfires in a Changing Climate Program’ which included training of 300 Indigenous firefighters, 125 Indigenous fire guardians and specialist firefighting equipment. The WildFireSat satellite mission is a satellite system to monitor fires, which will inform fire management strategies. Additionally, the Government of Canada identifies a Wildfire Resilient Futures Initiative in their National Adaptation Strategy which will increase Canadians resilience to wildfire, whilst increasing knowledge of fire risk reduction measures and establish a Centre of Excellence for Wildland Fire Innovation and Resilience to transform wildland fire management in Canada and internationally.
Engineering Challenges:
As with many other impacts of climate change, engineering can help mitigate the devastating impact of wildfires. Several engineering challenges that must be addressed include the following:
a. Fire-Resistant Infrastructure - Designing and constructing buildings, bridges, power lines, and other critical infrastructure to withstand intense heat and ember attacks is essential. Utilizing fire-resistant materials, implementing fire barriers, and incorporating resilient design principles are crucial aspects.
b. Early Detection System - Developing advanced wildfire detection systems using remote sensing technologies and other tools is vital for timely response and containment. Early detection enables rapid mobilization of firefighting resources and enhances the effectiveness of mitigation efforts.
c. Managing Air Quality - Ensuring adequate indoor and outdoor air quality is paramount during wildfire events. Engineers can contribute by promoting the use of HEPA filters, improved ventilation systems, and providing guidance on minimizing exposure to smoke, such as wearing N95 masks.
Whilst the attribution studies will take a while to be carried out for these current wildfires across Canada, at the root of the wildfire challenge globally is increased temperatures, both ambient and extremes, extended dry seasons with more frequent and severe droughts, increased vulnerability of woodland to attacks from pests and pathogens, and the climate change induced migration of the latter into new areas. The recently published Assessment Report 6 (AR6) from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) highlighted these issues with trends identified in the lengthening of wildfire season and increases in the area burned. There is an urgent need to rapidly reduce greenhouse gas emissions alongside a more ambitious and accelerated adaptation plans to protect the health and well-being of societies.
Canada's ongoing wildfire crisis demands urgent attention. With this year's wildfire season being the worst on record, the environmental, health, and socio-economic consequences are profound. This is not just an issue for Canada. It is predicted that the occurrence of wildfires will increase globally as our climate becomes warmer.
Combating this crisis requires a multi-faceted approach, involving improved infrastructure, advanced detection systems, and effective air quality management. By addressing these engineering challenges, we can better protect communities, minimise health risks, and enhance resilience in the face of future wildfire events.
Image credit JINGXUAN JI via Canva.com