World

Canadian wildfires affect over 100 million in North America: 5 points

June 8, 2023
Saqafy Times

Canadian wildfires affect over 100 million in North America: 5 points

A thick haze of pollution casts an eerie, yellow glow over Manhattan’s famous skyscrapers.

At least 100 million people in Canada and the US face serious health risks due to wildfires in Canada. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has said Canada is going through its “worst wildfire season” in recorded history.

Here are the top 5 updates from this story:

  1. According to the Canadian National Fire Database, more than 3.8 million hectares – about twice the size of New Jersey – have been scorched so far.

  2. More than 20,000 people have been displaced due to wildfires in Canada. Quebec, which is facing 150 active wildfires, is responsible for New York’s pollution. As of Wednesday afternoon, New York City had the worst air pollution of any city in the world.

  3. A thick haze of pollution cast an eerie, yellow glow over Manhattan’s famous skyscrapers, delayed flights and forced the suspension of sporting events.

  4. Major League Baseball postponed Wednesday’s game between the New York Yankees and Chicago White Sox as well as the Phillies’ home game against the Detroit Tigers because of poor air quality. The Women’s NBA and the National Women’s Soccer League also announced postponements. In music, organizers canceled the opening night of a concert series in Brooklyn that featured Corinne Bailey Rae.

  5. US President Joe Biden spoke to Trudeau on Wednesday and offered “additional support to respond to the devastating and historic wildfires.” Trudeau said on Twitter that he thanked Biden, saying “these fires are affecting everyday routines, lives and livelihoods, and our air quality.”