Wildfire Smoke Expected to Continue Causing Air Quality Problems in Future Summers

The Conversation has written an article discussing future smoke and air quality predictions based off the wildfire trends observed in 2023.

Multiple Canadian wildfires over the summer saw large regions of the United States put under air quality alerts, as mentioned in previous WaterISAC reporting, due to clouds of smoke that drifted south. Unfortunately, though they will not be a yearly event, future climate models predict summers like these will not be unusual in the future, as climate change causes larger and more intense wildfires to erupt. This creates public health impacts that communities will need to prepare for, as there are many vulnerable populations who are affected by poor air quality, from children to the elderly. The article suggests preparedness efforts should include acquiring a supply of face masks, setting up air monitors, and creating clean-air shelters. Read more at the Conversation.