Canada’s climate change, specifically the increase in temperature, has had a significant impact on the conditions of forests.
The graph below shows the trends of increased temperature in Canada.
All of Canada has experienced an increase in temperature while most of northern Canada and the northern parts of British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan experienced an increase in temperature exceeding 2°C.
This issue is highly concerning, as it can result in prolonged wildfires leading to extensive deforestation, as well as droughts that hinder tree growth and survival rates. The Canadian Forest Fire Weather Index System explains how forests are more prone to wildfires now than in the past.
The CFFWI System shows the components that contribute to potential wildland fires
Wildfires caused by a warming climate are one of the leading causes of deforestation. The wildfires that occurred on the timber harvesting land base area in BC was 700 000 hectares in 2017 (58% of total area), 300 000 hectares in 2018 (23% of total area) and 419 500 hectares in 2021 (54% of total area). They can have devastating effects on forests causing long-term environmental damage. This is the case for all of Canada but most dominantly on the West Coast in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Northwest Territories.
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In 2023 Canada experienced its most destructive wildfire season on record, with over 6,000 fires burning approximately 15 million hectares of land.
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Given the increasing intensity and difficulty in managing wildfires in Canada, there has been a significant rise in initiatives for fighting back against them.
The 2021 Nk’Mip Creek wildfire of the South Okanagan was a significant 2,000-hectare wildfire that required the evacuation of the residents of Osoyoos.
Osoyoos - 2021 Nk’Mip Creek wildfire
It ruined the beautiful forest landscape of the South Okanagan and required intense aftercare in order to restore the land as it once was. As a result, the federal government funded the initiative to plant trees to restore the land to its former state.
Federal gov’t contributes $331K for tree planting after 2021 Nk’Mip Creek wildfire (News Article)
A restorative forest area following the wildfire of Nk’Mip Creek.
Collaborative efforts between government agencies, environmental organizations, and local communities are being strengthened to create more effective wildfire management strategies. These efforts aim to mitigate the impact of wildfires and protect ecosystems as well as inhabited communities.