Front Burner Are Canadian summers as we knew them over?
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Aug 20, 2025 Denise Balkisson, executive editor of The Narwhal, explores the alarming effects of climate change on Canadian summers. She discusses the second-worst wildfire season shaping the outdoor experiences of children today, often contaminated by smoke and poor air quality. The conversation dives into the emotional challenges faced by parents, particularly in low-income and Indigenous communities, amidst these changes. Denise emphasizes the need for proactive adaptation strategies and reflects on how we can channel feelings of grief and anger into meaningful action against climate change.
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Childhood Summer Is Being Rewritten
- Summer's image as carefree outdoor childhood is changing as extreme heat and fires become regular features.
- These events are reshaping collective memories and expectations of Canadian summers.
Soccer Camp Heat Dilemma
- Denise describes signing her kid up for outdoor soccer camps that coincided with 38°C heat and lacking shade or preparation.
- She had to supply shade and confront teen camp staff about safety, weighing sending her child versus keeping them home.
Family Trips Disrupted By Heat And Pests
- Denise cut a cottage trip short because an old cottage without A/C reached 85°F indoors at 10 p.m., making sleep impossible.
- She also noted more ticks when camping, linking warmer winters to tick survival and spread.
