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Chicago Chokes on Wildfire Smoke: Experts Link to Climate Change
17 Jul
Summary
- Chicago's air quality reached hazardous levels due to wildfire smoke.
- Experts directly link the smoke to climate change impacts.
- US EPA rollbacks on emissions standards are cited as a contributing factor.
Hazardous air quality descended upon Chicago on Thursday, driven by smoke originating from Canadian wildfires. The Chicago Park District responded by canceling all outdoor activities and advising residents to stay indoors as air quality indexes soared into the "hazardous" range. Experts unequivocally connect the current smoke event to climate change, emphasizing that such occurrences are likely to become more frequent and severe if global warming is not addressed.
Environmental advocates point to regulatory changes, specifically the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's recent repeal of greenhouse gas emission regulations, as a critical factor exacerbating the problem. These rollbacks, which reduce oversight on emissions from vehicles and power plants, are seen as contributing to the conditions that fuel intense wildfires. The union representing EPA workers in Chicago expressed concern that these regulatory actions negatively impact air quality and increase health risks for communities like Chicago.
