“My name is Amanda, and I live on the Saugeen–Bruce Peninsula in Ontario, Canada, a region known for its rich biodiversity, ancient forests, and unique geology. In recent years, climate change has had a particularly strong impact on our forests. The Bruce Peninsula is experiencing warmer winters and hotter summers. Earlier snowmelt affects soil moisture and water availability for plants, increasing vulnerability to drought and the risk of wildfires. In 2024, air quality on the Bruce Peninsula deteriorated for several days due to wildfires in Northern Ontario and Quebec, leading to air quality warnings.”
– Amanda Stanger-Soulliere (2025)
SEVERE WILDFIRE SEASONS
In 2023 and 2024, Canada experienced exceptionally severe wildfire seasons with devastating impacts on the environment, climate, and society.¹
40% OF CANADA’S LAND AREA IS COVERED BY FOREST
In Canada, forests are predominantly natural, and fire even plays an important ecological role within them. Coniferous trees such as black spruce, white pine, and jack pine are particularly well adapted to fire. The cones of the jack pine only open under intense heat, meaning the species can reproduce only through fires. Climate change has significantly intensified the conditions for wildfires in Canada. Studies show that the likelihood of extreme fires has increased threefold due to climate change. The combination of higher temperatures and longer drought periods creates ideal conditions for both the ignition and spread of wildfires.² ³
