How to Help Forest Fire Evacuees in Northwestern Ontario
Over 100 forest fires are burning in northwestern Ontario, most of them out of control. Many communities have been evacuated. Highways have been closed. Air quality warnings are in effect.
Residents of Namaygoosisagagun First Nation had only minutes to flee in boats before fire destroyed their community. Smoke drifting south blanketed Toronto on Wednesday, causing the worst air quality in the world. (I’m currently visiting family not far from there.) All of this comes on the heels of record-breaking, unbearable heat.
Accelerating climate change, largely from the burning of fossil fuels, makes wildfires bigger, hotter, and more destructive. With Canada warming twice as fast as the global average, and home to more than a quarter of the world’s boreal forests, the country is experiencing this consequence of global heating firsthand.
Where to donate
Donations to the Namaygoosisagagun First Nation will fund emergency supplies, temporary shelter and other essential resources. Go here to donate.
Donate to the Whitesand First Nation through an Interac e-transfer at donations@whitesandfirstnation.com. Include your full name in the comment section to receive a tax receipt.
True North Aid provides support to remote Indigenous communities in Canada. Go here to donate funds to support evacuees of these fires.
The Canadian Red Cross Wildfire Fund supports long-term fire recovery, fire preparedness and those affected by fires. Go here to donate.
Northern Reach Network helps displaced dogs and cats. It is seeking donations, volunteers and fosters to rescue and support these animals. The organizations is also looking for rescue organizations to partner with in southern Ontario. Donate here.
Climate action
You may be feeling helpless, anxious, sleepless or all of the above—and also wanting to take action. We have the solutions to address the climate crisis. But we need to implement them. This brings me to Ayana Elizabeth Johnson’s Venn Diagram from her TED talk and her wonderful book, What If We Get It Right?
You can download a copy of the Venn diagram here (or not…we all process heartbreak differently). For more directions on how to fill this out, watch Johnson’s TED talk.
Speaking of environmental books, here are more recent titles I found inspiring:
Human Nature: Nine Ways to Feel About Our Changing Planet, Kate Marvel
How Can I Help? Saving Nature with Your Yard, Doug Tallamy
Here Comes the Sun: A Last Chance for the Climate and a Fresh Chance for Civilization, Bill McKibben
The Story of CO2 Is the Story of Everything: How Carbon Dioxide Made Our World, Peter Brannen
Thank you for this article. The wildfires in Northern Ontario are such an example of what our planet will have to endure if we don’t fight climate change. I’m so fed up with Mark Carney who is only responding to the economic woes of our country. He’s approved two new pipelines. It all comes in response to Trump being so despicable with Canadians. What a messed up world we live in. 😥Sorry to be so negative, but the Ontario wildfire situation is making me so sad.
I appreciate the inspirational book recommendations! I just put "What If We Get It Right" on hold at my library. I could use some inspiration.