Study: 2023 Canadian wildfire smoke linked to over 80,000 deaths worldwide
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A peer-reviewed study published in Nature estimates that smoke from Canada’s record-breaking 2023 wildfire season caused about 5,400 acute deaths and roughly 82,100 premature deaths globally. Researchers used multiple computer models and data sources to assess the health impacts of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) from the fires.
Key findings:
- 64,300 of the premature deaths occurred in North America and Europe, including 33,000 in the U.S. and 8,300 in Canada.
- The period June 26–July 7, 2023 was especially deadly, with an estimated 5,400 acute deaths in the U.S. and Canada.
- Canada’s wildfires accounted for 13% of global fire-related PM2.5 exposure in 2023, with smoke spreading across North America and into western Europe.
- The 2023 season saw over 6,000 fires burn 150,000 km², the largest area on record.
Co-author Michael Brauer of the University of British Columbia called the findings a “wake-up call” for regions unaccustomed to prolonged wildfire smoke exposure, warning that climate change will likely make such events more frequent and deadly.
The study also notes that while smoke reaching Europe was less concentrated, it still affected densely populated areas, amplifying its health impact.
Full article: Fire Fighting in Canada.
Illustration Credit: Graph over deaths caused by Canadian wildfire smoke 2023. From an idea by Bjorn Ulfsson, executed by MS Copilot.