Although the Columbia Valley has been relatively smoke-free this summer, recent weeks have reminded us of the reality we live with as wildfire smoke once again settled in. Ask anyone on the street, “How was your summer?” and the reply is often: “Great—not too smoky or hot. I’ll take this over the summers we’ve had recently.” Our reprieve from smoky skies, while welcome, does not reflect the broader reality.
Across Canada, wildfires are increasingly affecting air quality with serious consequences for human health. Recent scientific assessments warn that prolonged exposure to wildfire smoke could reduce life expectancy in this country. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) from wildfire smoke is linked to cardiovascular and respiratory illness, with children, seniors, and people with pre-existing conditions being the most vulnerable.
This is not just a local issue—it is a global one. The International Court of Justice (ICJ), the United Nations’ principal judicial body, recently issued a landmark advisory opinion affirming that member States have a legal obligation to protect the environment from greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Grounded in environmental and human rights law, the ICJ found that governments must:
- Protect the environment for all people worldwide and for future generations.
- Guarantee the enjoyment of human rights, including the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment, by addressing climate change.
The connection is clear: expanding oil, coal, and gas extraction increases greenhouse gas emissions, driving climate change and intensifying wildfire frequency and severity.
While the ICJ’s opinion is not binding, it carries significant legal and moral authority, clarifying that governments are not simply encouraged but are legally obliged to act rapidly to reduce emissions and adapt to a warming climate.
Wildsight has joined 34 other organizations in urging the BC government to align its climate policy with these international obligations. As we wrote to the Province:
“The historic ICJ decision gives your government a rare opportunity to reset climate policy commensurate with the goal of doing our part to protect the lives and safety of present and future generations, at home in BC and globally.”
Call to Action
The ICJ ruling underscores what science and lived experience in BC already show us: climate inaction is no longer an option. We urge community members to add their voices—write to your MLA – Scott.McInnis.MLA@leg.bc.ca, speak out at public consultations, and support organizations, like Wildsight, pressing for stronger climate action. Together, we can push the BC government to live up to its obligations and commit to a safer, healthier future for our communities and for generations to come.