Smoke from Wildfires and Climate Change Future: The Clear and Present Danger to Air Quality in North America

Wildfires in Canada and the United States are causing hazardous smoke to hang over millions of people, with New York City experiencing its worst air quality since the 1960s, according to officials. Videos show smoky skies in the northeast, with the situation prompting The New York Times to publish an opinion piece on the impact this smoke has on our future, concluding “the reality is that this is our future, too.” A similar piece from The Washington Post argues that the smoke offers a glimpse of the climate change future. As the fires continue to burn, the situation remains a serious health concern for those in affected areas.