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U.S. Rep. Jack Bergman is completely wrong about Canadian wildfires and needlessly picks a fight with our closest ally. Many methods used in the United States don't work in their forests. We live in an area of mixed forest types and agricultural land with lots of roads. Even our western forests are not as remote as those in Canada. Years ago, we had a forest fire threaten our home in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. A network of nearby state, federal and local fire organizations arrived quickly and contained the fire before it reached us!
Canada's boreal forest covers 1.3 billion acres, nearly 60% of the country. It is dominated by highly combustible spruce and balsam that stretch uninterrupted for thousands of miles. Fires can easily jump most of the lakes and rivers. Most are almost impossible to contain.
The last five years have been the hottest, causing these explosive fires. About 97% of climate scientists agree: CO2 emissions from burning coal, oil and gas are driving these changes (NASA).
The U.S. President filled his cabinet with staff representing corporations who are reversing efforts to fight climate change. House and Senate Republicans have emphasized profits for the very rich and neglected the needs of everyone else.
There is good news. Electric vehicles, solar, wind, hydro energy, and elimination of methane leaks can help reverse global warming. Democrats support low-cost, clean energy systems. We need new representatives in Congress who understand forest science and will work on real solutions.