Summary
Hundreds of wildfires continue to burn across Canada and many of them are out of control. The smoke is putting millions of Americans under air quality alerts, prompting warnings to stay indoors to avoid exposure to pollution. For a transcript of this story, click here . News wrap alternative : Check out recent segments from the NewsHour, and choose the story you’re most interested in watching. You can make a Google doc copy of discussion questions that work for any of the stories here.Five Facts
- Where has wildfire smoke from Canada degraded air quality in the United States?
- According to associate professor Peter DeCarlo, who is impacted by high levels of air pollution?
- According to DeCarlo, why is exposure to air pollutants so harmful to our health?
- According to reporter Stephanie Sy, how is Canada trying to contain the wildfires?
- According to climate scientist Kristina Dahl, what factors have worsened the severity of wildfires around the world?
Focus Questions
Climate scientist Kristina Dahl notes that there are several factors that have exacerbated the devastation caused by the recent wildfires in Canada. How has climate change affected the severity of wildfires? And what can be done to mitigate these effects? News Analysis : The journalists interviewed a climate scientist and an associate professor, and also included speeches by government officials. Who else would you have interviewed or liked to have heard more from? Alternative : See, Think, Wonder : What did you notice? What did the story make you think? What story would you want to find out more about? Where would you go to learn more?For More
What students can do: According to climate scientist Kristina Dahl, climate change is one of the factors driving worsening wildfires around the world. What is being done to address it? Read about a new Environmental Protection Agency rule that seeks to cut pollutants that contribute to smog. Evaluate who is supporting or challenging the rule--and what do they each have to gain?STUDENT VIDEO OF THE DAY (December 18, 2020)
This lesson was written by Fariya Farah, a junior at Amherst College and NewsHour Classroom’s intern, with editing by Luke Gerwe. Fill out this form to share your thoughts on Classroom’s resources. Sign up for NewsHour Classroom’s ready-to-go Daily News Lessons delivered to your inbox each morning.
