Canadian Wildfires Signal Climate Chaos

Dear Editor,

The smoky skies, hazy atmosphere, and burning orange sun are an apocalyptic preview of the climate-change induced hole we've dug for ourselves. While the upper Midwest is blessed with a relatively 'climate safe' reputation, Canada proves that the dangers are moving closer and closer to home. The wildfires raging across 1.7 million acres in Sasketchewan and Manitoba have already caused the evacuation of 17,000 people and have scarred a country already reeling from wildfire three years in a row.

As it stands on the date of writing, 6/2/25, over 211 fires are ongoing in Sasketchewan, double its average for this time of year. A high pressure system in central Canada and abnormally hot, dry conditions for the spring have created this tinderbox, although it is hard to see this as a normal phenomenon when comparing historical records. The evidence continues to shine clearly through: our unmitigated burning of fossil fuels and unchecked development of natural areas if throwing the delicate cycles that control our weather and rainfall out of order.

Whether you see this wildfire smoke as a preview of the apocalypse or 'no big deal' is a matter of perspective. I say that we use this as a reminder, a call to action to continue to advocate for clean energy solutions and environmental protections.

Sincerely,

Nathan Dombeck, Janesville, WI