By Emma Kitaygorodsky and Taliah Wasserman, Class II
In November of this year, New York and New Jersey were covered with smothering smoke from multiple wildfires. The rampant wildfires started in Jennings Creek and burned more than 5,200 acres across the two states, requiring multiple teams of firefighters to contain them. In the midst of a massive firefighting effort, a New York state forest ranger volunteer named Dariel Vasque died tragically from a falling burning tree at only 18 years old. For weeks, the streets of NYC were filled with the scent of heavy smoke and red flag warnings were issued across the region, signaling extreme fire danger. In response, New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a two week statewide burn ban to prevent further fires.
Wildfire Epidemic
Though wildfires are a well-known issue in Western parts of the United States, New York and surrounding Northeastern states have historically been minimally affected compared to other states, such as California. According to the World Population Review, surveying the amount of forest fires in the US, California sits at the top of the list, around 9,280 fires, while New York is in 41st place with just 137. However, experts predict these standings are likely to rise. Climate change is causing longer, hotter summers and extended periods of drought, which increase the likelihood of fires even in regions previously considered relatively safe. The conditions that climate change creates dry out organic matter, increasing their flammability and the risk of starting more deadly disasters.
The global impact of climate change is also contributing to this problem in areas that already experience wildfires. Regions like the Mediterranean and parts of Canada, which have had wildfires as part of their natural ecosystem for a very long time are now experiencing more frequent, larger, and hotter wildfires. In June of 2023, the alarming orange smoke proved that the rising global temperatures mixed with shifts in wind patterns have allowed smoke from fires in places as far as Canada to travel across state lines, reaching major cities like New York City.
A student at TBLS, Calla Braiker (Class II), experienced a couple of fires outside of her house this November in Brooklyn. She says, “They both happened at night, actually, which is interesting. We think it started from cigarette butts, tossed into the leaves outside on the curb that were all raked up and super dry because of the drought.” These fires, though at first not alarming, raised concerns when the second started to form and “two or three cars were burned down, completely gutted..wrecked and were standing around for a few weeks until they all got towed, and nobody's insurance covered the damage because they said it didn't cover wildfires,” Braiker says. This terrifying face with fire left Braiker wondering, “What if my house burns down?”
While wildfires pose significant threats to natural ecosystems, their effects on human health and air quality are equally concerning. Particles found in wildfire smoke have the ability to trigger potentially fatal asthma attacks, heart attacks and strokes. During the height of the Jennings Creek fire, air quality levels in New York City spiked to dangerous levels, with AQI (Air Quality Index) readings in the unhealthy range. High AQI levels indicate that the air is dangerous for people with respiratory conditions and can even harm otherwise healthy individuals. Another threat from forest fire smoke is carbon monoxide (CO), which is a gas produced during the smoldering stages of wildfires. Carbon monoxide reduces oxygen delivery to the body’s tissues and organs which triggers headaches, nausea, and dizziness.
Taking Action
Ms. Houshangi, a Biology teacher at TBLS, noted that “There are scientists who are saying that New York is becoming more tropical than not. You don't think of New York or Vermont as being a tropical place, but the way that the weather patterns are turning, it's starting to become this not-yet-tropical climate, but it’s on its way.” This observation is supported by the US National Climate Assessment, which reclassified New York City from the coastal temperate climate zone to the humid subtropical climate zone in 2020. Ms. Houshangi also quoted James Gustave Speth, a renowned environmental lawyer from South Carolina, who highlighted the root cause of environmental inaction: “I used to think the top environmental problems were biodiversity loss, ecosystem collapse and climate change. I thought that with 30 years of good science we could address those problems. But I was wrong. The top environmental problems are selfishness, greed and apathy… and to deal with those we need a spiritual and cultural transformation and we, [lawyers] and scientists, don´t know how to do that.”
As wildfires become more prevalent and their impacts on the air we breathe and the world we see intensify, it is essential that individuals and communities take action to mitigate these effects and support long-term solutions. “We can worry as much as we can about plastic straws or I don't know, little tiny things, but we need to make big changes and the big changes are not happening because of the people in power,” says Ms. Houshangi. “As young people, something you can do is make it trendy to actually care.” Staying informed about the latest environmental policies, news, and statistics can help spread awareness and drive collective action.
Systemic changes are just as crucial as individual actions. Policy reforms regarding stricter carbon emissions, improved wildfire prevention strategies, and increased funding for climate projects will be key in addressing the root causes of these wildfire crises. Communities can also take steps together in supporting fire prevention efforts and promoting sustainable land management practices. These issues are not going away anytime soon. Be part of the growing environmental youth movement that pushes for these changes. Make it cool to care.
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