Cooler temperatures provide some relief for N.L. wildfires
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Globe and Mail
37 minutes ago
- Globe and Mail
Globe Climate: The rise of weather content on social media
If you're reading this on the web or someone forwarded this e-mail newsletter to you, you can sign up for Globe Climate and all Globe newsletters here. Good afternoon, and welcome to Globe Climate, a newsletter about climate change, environment and resources in Canada. A manatee was recently spotted off the coast of Massachusetts for the first time in almost a decade. The threatened species usually makes its habitat in warmer southern Gulf waters, so scientists want to monitor its condition to see if a rescue is necessary. In 2008 and 2009, different manatees were sighted in Cape Cod Bay – the furthest north the animals have ever been identified. Both were eventually rescued. Anyone who sees the manatee is asked to document their GPS position and call the stranding network hotline, (508) 743-9548. Now, let's catch you up on other news. For this week's deeper dive, we closer look at the online world of watching weather. How often do you check your weather app? Or... weather apps? Online culture reporter Samantha Edwards recently took a deep dive into the new big world of weather data. Once the domain of professionals, climate information gathered from satellites and radar models are now easily accessible online, giving amateur forecasters an unprecedented amount of raw data. 'I immersed myself into the digital world of weather nerds, amateur forecasters and content creators. I joined niche online forums, subreddits and Facebook groups, subscribed to YouTubers who livestream during extreme weather events, and followed weather influencers,' she wrote in the morning update newsletter. With a plethora of new weather apps, we have access to real-time information that can help us better plan our lives and time outdoors – from where there will be heavy rain to extreme heat. On Reddit and niche online forums, weather nerds analyze and debate the output of forecasts. On YouTube and TikTok, 'storm streamers' go live for hours during extreme weather events, providing real-time updates and sharing on-the-ground photos sent in from their devoted followers. But the flood of data can also consume us, lead to misinformation and heighten climate anxiety while at the same time diluting important updates about flooding and wildfire threats. For the past few summers, Aspen Murray has started to check a new data point every day on her weather app: air quality. 'Getting accustomed to checking the air quality has been something that's really made me think more about my climate anxiety,' she said. 'Growing up, that's something that I never would have thought of or worried about.' Experts also warn that the overexposure to weather warnings, especially if they're poorly worded or not local, can lead to 'alert fatigue' and may result in tuning out crucial information. Plus, during extreme weather events, disinformation from high-profile conspiracy theorists is drowning out emergency response efforts. On Facebook, Samantha stumbled upon a group called Ontario Storm Reports, which was started by the former storm chaser Adam Skinner and now has tens of thousands of members. He says that the majority of people who post in the group, and also watch his livestreams during severe weather, have weather anxiety but find the knowledge more comforting. 'The unknown is much more scary,' he said. Sarah Goodman: Ottawa must prioritize climate tech in Canada's new defence strategy Stephen Maher: The people opposing Nova Scotia's ban on accessing the woods don't understand our culture Julia Zarankin: To my surprise, I learned that birding can be an adrenaline-fuelled extreme sport Conservatives plan national campaign to scrap zero-emission vehicle mandate Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre pledged that his party will embark on a national campaign to push the Liberal government to scrap the policy he's dubbed the 'Carney tax.' Poilievre led the charge as the Conservatives attacked the consumer carbon price over the last two years, which eventually played a role to end the so-called carbon tax earlier this year. Now the Conservative leader claims the Liberal EV mandates 'would literally erase many small towns from the map.' We've launched the The Climate Exchange, an interactive, digital hub where The Globe answers your most pressing questions about climate change. We have been collecting hundreds of questions and posing them to experts. The answers can be found with the help of a search tool developed by The Globe that makes use of artificial intelligence to match readers' questions with the closest answer drafted. You can ask a question using this form. We want to hear from you. E-mail us: GlobeClimate@ Do you know someone who needs this newsletter? Send them to our Newsletters page.
CTV News
an hour ago
- CTV News
Massive wildfires scorch Ontario's cottage country, prompting city to review emergency response funding
Firefighters battle two massive grass fires in Kawartha Lakes as the hot, dry, brittle conditions continue across the region in August. (City of Kawartha Lakes) The City of Kawartha Lakes is turning to the community for input following a series of recent emergencies including a massive 27-hectare wildfire that scorched Ontario's cottage country for days. The combination of back-to-back events raises concern about the risks associated with extreme weather in the northern region. Last week, firefighters battled two fast-moving wildfires in the Burnt River and Kirkfield areas. According to the Ministry of Natural Resources, both blazes were declared under control on Friday, after endless efforts and tireless days to put them out. The forest fires, which scorched roughly 27 hectares, an area comparable to 50 football fields, were made more dangerous by damage left behind from the winter ice storm. Aerial water support targeted the most active parts of the fire, while tanker trucks drew water from local lakes to help crews on the ground. Fire Firefighters battle two massive grass fires in Kawartha Lakes as the hot, dry, brittle conditions continue across the region in August. (City of Kawartha Lakes) No evacuations were ordered. Deputy Fire Chief Shaun Moore and Platoon Chief Brandon Mitchell said, 'The scope of effort and dedication by all City of Kawartha Lakes Fire and MNR crews has been immense.' Prospect Road reopened on the weekend. On Sunday, city officials have announced over social media that they are seeking community input to guide future investments in emergency preparedness. Officials say, feedback from residents could help determine priorities such as expanding response capacity, improving cleanup efforts, and strengthening community resources. Residents can choose which emergency events to prioritize and spend up to the total budget shown, $1.6 million. This represents a one per cent increase to the tax levy, according to the city. To read more on the 2026 Budget Tool and to have your say, click here.
CBC
an hour ago
- CBC
CBC Calgary Headline News August 18: Flood property sales, Byelection day & Solar power at jails
Wildfires could be the new normal. How do you talk to your kids about them?
