US Wildfire Smoke Impact: 27,800 US Deaths and $244-Billion Annual Spend by 2050
In the summer of 2023, the United States experienced an unprecedented heatwave and a significant increase in wildfire smoke. This combination led to air quality alerts and a thick orange haze covering large portions of the country, something that hadn't been witnessed by many in their lifetime. Unfortunately, experts warn that this could become a more regular occurrence as climate change continues to worsen.
According to the National Bureau of Economic Research, the impact of wildfire smoke could be devastating. By 2050, it is estimated that it could cause up to 27,800 deaths in the United States annually and result in a staggering cost of around $244 billion per year. While the primary source of the smoke in 2023 was from Canada, the warming and drying climate also pose a significant risk to US forests. This means that severe wildfire events, which were previously more common on the West Coast, could become a national phenomenon.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Congress is currently engaged in discussions regarding two bills aimed at better preparing the nation for severe wildfire emergencies. The first one, known as the Wildfire Smoke Emergency Declaration Act, would grant the President the authority to declare a smoke emergency and provide emergency assistance to affected communities under specific circumstances. The second bill, called the Smoke and Heat Ready Communities Act, would empower the Environmental Protection Agency to offer grants to air pollution control agencies. These grants would support the development and implementation of programs that assist local communities in detecting, preparing for, communicating about, and mitigating the environmental and public health impacts of wildfire smoke.
It is crucial for these bills to be carefully considered and swiftly enacted to ensure the nation is adequately equipped to handle the increasing threat of severe wildfires and their associated smoke. By taking proactive measures, we can better protect our communities and minimize the devastating consequences of these natural disasters.
