Deforestation causes drought & wildfires in Canada

Deforestation causes drought & wildfires in Canada

Dear Prime Minister,

My name is Mahnoor T., I am currently a grade 9 student from Milton Ontario. I have always been interested to discuss various topics about Canada, including issues and the best reasons why Canada is a great place to live. While living here, I have seen multiple changes throughout the years of my life. Not only Ontario itself but I have learned a lot about how climate change is impacting other parts of Canada in various ways. Climate change refers to long term changes in temperatures and weather patterns around the world. These changes can be natural but can also be caused by human activities, such as burning fossil fuels, energy consumption, deforestation and more.

   From my learning, deforestation is causing rising temperatures and this is the major reason why wildfires occur. From my research the three main provinces in Canada that have had the highest rate of wildfires are British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario. British Columbia had about 1635 forest fires, Alberta had about 1342 forest fires and Ontario had 1198 forest fires. All of this took place during the year of 2021. According to the Western Fire Chiefs Association website, reducing tree cover and ground vegetation dries out the forests, causing a greater risk of wildfires and drought to spread.

   Trees help sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere which is caused by burning fossil fuels mainly from transportation. In this case clearing land (grass), plants and trees is not only affecting wildlife but also affecting us by causing global warming. Causing an increase in flooding, fewer crops and loss of habitats for animals in Canada and around the world. From my research in the last 40 years Canada has lost about 3.3 million hectares of forests which were used to make paper, raise livestock, and urbanization production.

   After all of the learning and research that I have done, I personally think that you can help Canada to reduce the amount of wildfires by reducing the amount of deforestation and land removal. I thought of a terrific idea and decided to tell you about it. My idea for you is to discuss and develop various goals and jobs within the campaigns that have already been started. I know that there is currently a campaign called Tree Canada.

   Tree Canada has taken the action to plant trees in urban environments in every province across the country, which is great. But from my research they haven't thought of using another material other than trees in order to create paper. Using another material other than trees to create paper such as stone can help reduce deforestation. Stone paper is made from pulverized construction rock, this requires less energy than making regular paper and also produces less air pollution and solid waste. Without plants and trees we would not be able to survive. This would occur because we would lose essential functions for life on earth. But if we all work together and take action towards deforestation in Canada, I’m sure that together we will be able to reduce climate change and create a healthy and sustainable future for the next generation!

Kind regards,
Mahnoor T.