Dr. Courtney Howard, MD

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Canada is warming at double the global rate. Like Yellowknife, parts of the country are warming at triple the global rate. On top of that, a massive pine beetle infestation has plagued Canada for decades — weakening or killing trees and making them perfect fodder for fires.

 

How British Columbia protects its people from wildfire smoke

Howard encourages towns and cities to consider things like smoke shelters and to plan for indoor recreational activities and medical needs in advance, rather than just reacting to an emergency. “We need to take a more proactive approach and identify vulnerable people, like elderly people, ahead of time,” she says, “and have a way of getting to them.”

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