Smokin' Hot Summer 2024

Climate Emergency Forum discusses the severe heat waves experienced globally, with temperatures reaching 50°C and impacting billions of people as well as wildfires, highlighting recent incidents such as the devastating fire in Jasper, Alberta.

This video was recorded on July 30th, 2024, and published on August 4th, 2024, and represents the opinions of the discussion participants.

The extreme heat has led to significant disruptions, including the closure of schools affecting over 80 million children, and is estimated to cause around 500,000 deaths annually. Urban areas are particularly vulnerable due to the heat island effect, where concrete and glass structures exacerbate the heat, making cities much hotter than surrounding areas.

The conversation then shifts to the topic of wildfires, highlighting recent incidents such as the devastating fire in Jasper, Alberta, which destroyed a significant portion of the town. The speakers emphasize the compounded effects of wildfires, including air pollution and the creation of pyro cumulonimbus clouds that can influence global weather patterns. They also discuss the historical context of wildfires and the increasing frequency and intensity of these events due to climate change.

The dialogue also touches on the role of AI in predicting wildfire behavior. A recent study by researchers at the University of Southern California, including Bryan Shaddy, developed an AI model that uses satellite data to forecast wildfire spread. This technology aims to improve firefighting efforts by providing more accurate predictions of fire movements.

Finally, frustration is expressed over the lack of action to address the root causes of climate change, particularly the continued reliance on fossil fuels. They call for more proactive measures, such as building fire-resistant homes, mandatory firefighting training for residents in fire-prone areas, and stronger protests against the fossil fuel industry. The dialogue concludes with a call to action for viewers to share their thoughts and join efforts to combat climate change.

Links:

• Following Three Hottest Days on Record, Secretary-General Launches Global Action Call to Care for Most Vulnerable, Protect Workers, Boost Resilience Using Data, Science

• 2024 Wayanad landslides

• Heat and Health

• Jasper wildfire

• Generative Algorithms for Fusion of Physics-Based Wildfire Forecasts Spread Models with Satellite Data for Initializing Wildfire

• Peatland fires and carbon emissions

• USC scientists use AI to predict wildfire’s next move

• Jasper fire is a grim reminder of the urgency of adopting a national wildfire strategy

• Spreading Like Wildfire: The Rising Threat of Extraordinary Landscape Fires

• 1825 Miramachi Fire

• Fires have burned 4.5 million acres this year across U.S.

Regular Panelists:

• Dr. Peter Carter - MD, Expert IPCC Reviewer and the director of the Climate Emergency Institute

• Paul Beckwith - Climate Systems Scientist. Professor at the University of Ottawa’s Paleoclimatology Laboratory as well as at Carleton University

• Regina Valdez - Program Director, Climate Reality Project, NYC. GreenFaith Fellow and LEED Green Associate

Video Production:

• Charles Gregoire - Electrical Engineer, Webmaster and IT prime for FacingFuture.Earth & the Climate Emergency Forum; Climate Reality Leader

• Heidi Brault - Climate Reality Leader, BA(Psychology), Library & Information Technician Diploma - Video production and website assistant - Organizer and convener, Metadata technician, COP Team Lead for FacingFuture.Earth and the Climate Emergency Forum.

Attributions:

Background Music:

• Title: Through the City II
• Author: Crowander
• Source: crowander.com

Image and Video:

• Image and Video Attributions