Canadian Wildfires, Texas Floods, and Global Sustainability Efforts

This is a newsletter focused on climate change, environment, and resources in Canada. The current edition looks at the aftermath of floods in the southern regions while also highlighting the impending threat of wildfires in the Prairies.

Manitoba officials are hoping that international firefighters and cooler, wetter weather will help to slow the raging wildfires. The province has declared a second state of emergency this year and has initiated new evacuations. There are over 560 active wildfires, with 140 considered out of control. This has led to over 345 air quality alerts and advisories across five provinces and one territory.

Other news includes a poll showing that Western Canadians are more likely to take action to reduce wildfire risk. U.S. Congress members are pressing Canada to address wildfire smoke. Ottawa is asking First Nations leaders to submit questions ahead of a meeting on Bill C-5. A study finds that Arctic shipping noise is silencing narwhals. China and India are building dams on their disputed Himalayan border. Vancouver is working to control where rainwater ends up. A Trump pick to head the U.S. weather agency is prioritizing staffing while backing budget cuts.

The newsletter also features an article from The Narwhal about a B.C. community's grassroots wildfire response.

This week's deeper dive focuses on the deadliest flash flood in Texas in over a century. The story examines the human tragedy and the political context surrounding the event. Flash floods are a leading cause of storm-related deaths in America, and climate change is exacerbating their power. The article highlights the lack of improvements to warning systems in an area where climate change is often denied.

The Texas disaster has brought attention to the risks of flash flooding and the need for better prediction and prevention. The article notes the political climate in the affected county, where climate change is often viewed with skepticism. The President's budget includes cuts to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which could endanger lives. Researchers are also concerned that Canada needs to do more to prevent such disasters.

Additional news items include the control of massive wildfires in Syria, potential conflicts of interest with Trump appointees, a message in a bottle found after 13 years, a project to resurrect an extinct New Zealand bird, and a baby pygmy hippo's first birthday celebration.

The newsletter also features articles by Tanya Talaga, Deliah Bernard, and Janice Locke. Nicholas Parker is betting on artificial intelligence to drive sustainability.

The Climate Exchange, an interactive digital hub, has launched its next chapter. The hub provides answers to questions about climate change, using a search tool powered by artificial intelligence. The newsletter also offers resources for sustainable investing and information on climate change in Canada.