The Daily

There’s No Escaping Wildfire Smoke

Jun 9, 2023

David Wallace-Wells, a climate columnist for The New York Times, dives into the alarming air quality crisis caused by Canadian wildfires. He discusses the unprecedented pollution levels in New York and the growing frequency of wildfires due to climate change. Wallace-Wells explores the health risks associated with wildfire smoke, linking it to respiratory and cardiovascular issues. He emphasizes the urgent need for action against climate change and shares practical advice for protecting health amid worsening air quality.

28:38

Creator website

Episode guests

David Wallace-Wells

Highlights

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Episode notes

The Duration and Intensity of Air Pollution Exposure Matters

01:20

The Impact of Wildfire Smoke on New York City's Air Quality

01:05

Intro

2min

Wildfires and Air Quality Crisis

4min

Wildfire Smoke and Urban Air Quality

6min

Understanding the Health Risks of Wildfire Smoke

3min

Health Risks of Wildfire Smoke

14min

Supreme Court Ruling and Humanitarian Crisis in Ukraine

2min

Smoke from wildfires in Canada has created a crisis in the American Northeast and beyond, with air pollution in New York reaching its worst level in modern history.

David Wallace-Wells, a climate columnist for The Times, explains why this happened, and why there is so little we can do to keep it from happening again.

Guest: David Wallace-Wells, a climate columnist correspondent for The New York Times.

Background reading:

New York City experienced its worst air quality on record. Here’s how to stay safe as the smoke spreads.
David Wallace-Well’s column on the smoke that shrouded New York City.

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