Canada is grappling with one of its worst environmental emergencies as wildfires rage across the country, plunging regions into thick smoke. The crisis is creating hazardous air conditions, displacing communities, and threatening public health on a massive scale.
Environment Canada has issued advisories urging people to limit outdoor activities as Toronto experienced a rapid shift in global air pollution rankings – from the second worst globally in the morning to the tenth in the evening the same day. Smaller Canadian towns near the wildfires are experiencing even more dangerous smoke concentrations, with smoke levels in some areas being nearly ten times more toxic than typical urban pollution.
With 741 wildfires ongoing, 304 of which are out of control, the 2025 wildfire season is the second-worst on record. This season has already seen over 16 million acres scorched, more than double the 10-year average. Only the 2023 Canada wildfire season was worse, with over 42 million acres burnt, but at the current pace, 2025 could overtake this record within weeks.
Since mid-May, wildfires in Canada have displaced over 40,000 people, with more than half being indigenous communities. Approximately 34 tribes across multiple provinces have been affected. Many evacuees are sheltering in distant cities and, with no clear return date, this is straining crisis-response resources.
The economic toll of air pollution in Canada is staggering, amounting to an estimated US$146 billion annually when healthcare expenses, lost productivity, environmental damage, and other impacts are factored in.
Smoke from Canada’s air pollution crisis has drifted south, putting U.S. cities on high alert. On Tuesday, 5 August, at 8 a.m., the Air Quality Index (AQI) hit 121, categorized as “unhealthy for sensitive groups”. Hazy skies stretched into 10 U.S. states, triggering air quality alerts in major cities, including New York.
See also: Burning Europe: wildfires and heat-related deaths signal worsening climate crisis
Health Canada’s 2018 data reveals the grim toll of air pollution, linking it to over 17,000 premature deaths, 3.6 million asthma symptom days, and 39 million acute respiratory symptom days. Studies also connect air pollution to various health issues such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, dementia, depression, anxiety, and stress.
Authorities recommend:
- Staying indoors with windows closed
- Using HVAC recirculation systems
- Wearing N95 masks outdoors
- Monitoring symptoms such as eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, and mild cough.
