A crisis foretold--we've known for a long time

American Policy & The Fight Against Environmental Disasters

It would be disingenuous to think the environmental policies of the U.S. did not play a role in the emergence of this crisis. Our domestic approaches to climate change affect the world; as one of the largest emitters of fossil fuels, we are uniquely driving record warming rates. When the U.S. rolls back major climate initiatives, other countries feel empowered to do the same. Conversely, when the U.S. actively adopts policies that tackle emissions and pollution, other countries will feel encouraged to follow suit.

We must heed the warnings of climate experts and those that came before us. An international issue requires international cooperation, and without the U.S. as a major player in building the necessary frameworks, any approach will fail to adequately address the magnitude of the crisis.

Over 100 wildfires ravaged Canada and Minnesota this week, and heavy winds have carried the smoke over to the rest of the Upper Midwest and Northeast. Millions of people are being exposed to toxic air, with at least 17 states under air quality alerts. Parts of Minnesota had an Air Quality Index reading of 1,000–an AQI over 300 is hazardous.

Americans at risk

Many Americans are being advised to wear masks outside as an extra layer of protection against the dangerous haze. Studies found links between wildfire smoke and higher rates of strokes, asthma attacks, and cardiac arrests. Additionally, wildfire smoke has a direct relationship with lung, breast, colorectal, blood, and bladder cancer.

Climate change is quickly exacerbating wildfire patterns. When more pollutants are released into the air, they trap heat and create drier, hotter conditions, which makes vegetation more flammable. With rising temperatures, wildfires are more frequent, stay longer, and wreak more havoc. Experts say that extreme heat levels, extended droughts, and low snowpacks have created the ideal conditions for these wildfires to thrive. That is not to say that climate change is the sole cause of the mania we see today, but we wouldn’t be facing the dangers we’re facing now without it.

Climate Change & Wildfire Patterns

Jimmy Carter famously championed conservation efforts to stave off environmental crises and lessen the nation’s dependency on fossil fuels. As the air grows thicker and the sky darkens a harsh orange, his presidency stands as a disappointing reminder that we could’ve done more to prevent the climate catastrophe we’re seeing today.