In this article, we’ll explain how the wildfires in L.A. started, how they impact society, and how the city of Los Angeles can move forward.

What Should We Learn from the Los Angeles Wildfires?

In early January 2025, two major Los Angeles wildfires broke out – in the Palisades and Eaton areas of the infamous Southern Californian city.

California is no stranger to wildfires and its deleterious effects, having experienced one of the most devastating wildfires of all time back in November of 2018 – where many celebrities including Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth lost their homes. 

👉 However, these recent Los Angeles wildfires have highlighted the growing concern for rising temperatures – and how even large cities such as Los Angeles may find these natural disasters becoming unsustainable as we hurdle toward a warming planet.

The Los Angeles wildfires started on January 7th 2025, with two major wildfires occurring in the area – including in the Palisades and Eaton neighborhoods. The main cause for these wildfires

💡 As of January 13th, 2025 – the total amount of area burned from the Los Angeles wildfires is greater than the city of Paris itself, with nearly 60 square miles of land falling subject to the wildfires, where Paris is only around 40 square miles.

In fact, the Palisades fire alone encompasses a whopping 37 square miles – making it as large as cities like Paris and San Francisco themselves. This reveals the colossal impact that not only the Palisades and Eaton neighborhoods of L.A. must endure, but the surrounding areas in Los Angeles county – as an air quality alert was issued for Los Angeles county in the midst of the wildfires.

“The Los Angeles wildfires occurring at the start of 2025 alone demonstrate how none of us are safe from the erratic effects of climate change – with over 105,000 residents of Los Angeles being ordered to evacuate and 24 people having lost their lives from these wildfires.”

Los Angeles Wildfires Latest: 24 dead in Southern California fires - Jan. 12 update

24 people have died in connection to the Los Angeles County wildfires, the Eaton Fire and the Palisades Fire.

#wildfire #california #news #losangeles 

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Los Angeles Wildfires Latest: 24 dead in Southern California fires - Jan. 12 update

The most recent wildfires in Los Angeles started as a small flame, presumably from New Year’s Eve as the first initial fire was discovered on New Year’s day – originating as a New Year's Eve fire.

This was deduced from the fact that there was evidence of people staying in the area surrounding Skull Rock, which often attracts teenagers and partyers – as there was leftover glass near the scene of the first fire. 

However, it is important to remember that the Palisades and Eaton wildfires were caused by several factors – such as strong Santa Ana winds reaching up to 70 mph, which helped to spread the flames faster. Furthermore, the Southern California area has experienced an exceptionally dry season – providing optimal conditions to fuel wildfires. 

👉 In terms of wildfires in California as a whole, the impact of power lines across the state and their contribution to wildfires has been studied – with the New York Times revealing that over 3,600 wildfires have happened in California in conjunction with complications from power lines.

What impact did the Los Angeles wildfires have on residents of L.A.?

The Los Angeles community has already lost thousands of buildings and even some lives as a result of the wildfires, putting over 100,000 residents of Los Angeles in an emotionally and physically challenging position to evacuate their homes.

💡However, one of the positive impacts that the Los Angeles wildfires have had on the L.A. community is revealing that everyone will come together in times of need – with celebrities such as Demi Lovato, Lucy Hale, and the Jonas Brothers working to share GoFund Me’s and resources for people in need during the Los Angeles wildfires.

“I invite you to come to California again — to meet with the Americans affected by these fires, see the devastation firsthand, and join me and others in thanking the heroic firefighters and first responders who are putting their lives on the line” – Governor Newsom in response to Trump’s theories on the Los Angeles wildfires.

Palisades Fire – Having destroyed over 420 homes and only 13% of the wildfire having been contained as of January 13th, 2025 – this has shown to be one of the most devastating wildfires and natural disasters in the state since the wildfires from November 2018.

Eaton Fire – As of Monday, January 13th, 2025 – the Eaton wildfire has only been 27% contained. Furthermore, it has taken 16 lives, and damaged over 7,000 buildings and homes – the Eaton fires have shown to be just as consequential.

Here are some additional consequences of the Los Angeles wildfires:

Santa Ana Winds – These strong winds will not only further fuel the existing wildfires in Southern California, but will also subject people to further health consequences such as asthma, bronchitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Economic Losses – The recent wildfires in Los Angeles have destroyed thousands of buildings and counting, which in turn – can lead to a spike in insurance claims and long-term effects on business success. As the state of California alone ranks as the world’s 5th largest economy, this demonstrates how consecutive and destructive wildfires could have an impact on our global economy.

Biodiversity & Vegetation – In an already dry region, the wildfires have made it more difficult for certain plants and animals to to survive in the Los Angeles area – impacting biodiversity and making L.A. more vulnerable to landslides and erosion.

Realisation of Limited Resources – Most people living in California live with and accept the threat of an earthquake or wildfire, but it doesn’t mean that resources weren’t stretched thin – as emergency services were unable to help avoid the worst of the wildfires. 

Exacerbate GHG Emissions – The amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases being released as a result of burning vegetation from the Los Angeles wildfires further exacerbates the battle against climate change. 

Emotional Impact – Mass evacuations and the permanent loss of one’s home can elicit severe mental health effects such as trauma, anxiety, and depression. 

👉 Over 100,000 residents of Los Angeles were ordered to evacuate their homes – and while many people living in Southern California live with and accept this as a circumstance of living in such a warm, dry climate: it still takes an emotional and physical toll packing up all of your personal belongings and needing to flee your home.

Why are these most recent Los Angeles wildfires a greater wake up call to climate change?

Although California has experienced numerous wildfires before, the most recent wildfires in Los Angeles demonstrate how the nature of natural disasters is truly out of hand – and will only continue to grow more challenging and difficult to avoid or combat as global temperatures skyrocket. 

Here are some specific examples why the Los Angeles wildfires serve as a wake up call to fight against climate change:

Usually, January serves as the wettest month of the year in California – demonstrating how such massive and cataclysmic wildfires would only be able to occur with shifting weather patterns. 

Furthermore, the wildfires coincided with abnormally high temperatures for winter in California – highlighting how climate change is a clear indicator of these erratic wildfires. 

As wildfire season begins to become the new norm, ecosystems and surrounding communities are left with less time to recover – whether it be financially, emotionally, or environmentally. 

This allows for future wildfires to prove more destructive than the last, in the same way that falling on an already broken leg would undoubtedly be more painful. 

Wildfires contribute to excess greenhouse gas emissions with the release massive amounts of CO₂, meaning that ironically – the middle of a wildfire caused by climate change, continues to support the conditions to prolong the negative effects of climate change.

In addition to this, the loss of forests and vegetation from wildfires can result in the loss of carbon sinks – which contributes to the long-term, effects of climate change.

👉 Ultimately, these recent Los Angeles wildfires demonstrate how the accelerating impacts of climate change require our utmost attention and immediate action to elicit true change – otherwise, the consequences of such natural disasters will only be more challenging to battle.

How can you stay safe during the Los Angeles wildfires?

Staying safe during the current Los Angeles wildfires includes putting out any additional fires, keeping doors and windows closed, wearing protective clothing, and keeping in touch with family, friends, and neighbors on your current situation and needs – whether they be tangible or emotional.  

“You don’t want to open the door and get out and panic at the very last minute as the fire is approaching, because you’re not going to be able to outrun a fire.” – Daniel Berlant, Assistant Deputy Director of Cal Fire.

Here's how you can stay safe in the midst of the Los Angeles wildfires:

Stay Indoors – Residents of Los Angeles, especially with underlying health conditions, should aim to stay indoors in addition to keeping windows and doors closed – opting for the use of air conditioning to filter indoor air.

Protect Employees – The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) has implored employers to protect employees from wildfire smoke exposure. This can include requiring a short-term mask mandate for employees who work outside or allowing for remote work until the air quality improves to avoid commuters from being exposed to poor air quality.

Wear Proper Clothing – Incoming Santa Ana winds will not only make it more difficult for firefighters to put out existing fires, but could result in accidentally ingesting or inhaling fine particle matter. This means people out and about in Los Angeles should strive to wear clothing garments to protect your nose, eyes, and mouth in the coming days.

The table below will demonstrate other factors to look out for in the midst of the Los Angeles wildfires and how to stay safe:

<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%; text-align: left;">
    <thead>
        <tr style="background-color: #f2f2f2;">
            <th>Factor</th>
            <th>Details</th>
            <th>How to Stay Safe</th>
        </tr>
    </thead>
    <tbody>
        <tr>
            <td>Emotional Well-Being</td>
            <td>Wildfires can lead to stress, anxiety, and trauma. Many feel overwhelmed by the uncertainty and potential property loss.</td>
            <td>Maintain communication with loved ones, practice stress-relief techniques like deep breathing, and consider professional help if needed.</td>
        </tr>
        <tr>
            <td>Potential Health Side Effects</td>
            <td>Smoke inhalation can cause respiratory problems, eye irritation, and worsen conditions like asthma and heart disease.</td>
            <td>Wear an N95 mask outdoors, use air purifiers indoors, and stay informed about air quality levels through local authorities.</td>
        </tr>
        <tr>
            <td>Signs of a Wildfire Approaching</td>
            <td>Look out for heavy smoke, an orange or red sky, falling ash, and emergency alerts from local authorities.</td>
            <td>Prepare an evacuation plan, keep emergency supplies ready, and follow evacuation orders promptly.</td>
        </tr>
        <tr>
            <td>Protecting Your Home</td>
            <td>Flying embers and heat from nearby fires can ignite structures and vegetation.</td>
            <td>Clear debris and flammable materials from your property, seal vents, and use fire-resistant materials for roofing and siding if possible.</td>
        </tr>
        <tr>
            <td>Wildfire Preparedness</td>
            <td>Having a plan and the right resources can make evacuation smoother and reduce panic.</td>
            <td>Pack an emergency kit with essentials like water, food, medication, and important documents. Keep gas tanks full and vehicles ready.</td>
        </tr>
        <tr>
            <td>Staying Updated</td>
            <td>Changing wind patterns and fire behavior can escalate the situation quickly.</td>
            <td>Follow local news, weather updates, and alerts from trusted agencies like CAL FIRE or the National Weather Service.</td>
        </tr>
    </tbody>
</table>


👉 Remember, for the most up-to-date information – it is crucial to consult the information provided by your local news outlets and official sources such as the South Coast Air Quality Management District and Cal Fire.

How can the L.A. move forward from these wildfires and protect itself in the future?

In truth, the only way for the greater Los Angeles area to protect itself from wildfires in the future is to contribute in the fight against climate change – as continued dry and skyrocketing temperatures will only make wildfires worse.

Here are some ways that Los Angeles can continue to aid in the battle against global warming and move forward from the existing wildfires:

New Environmental Legislation – In existing to current climate legislation in the state, such as the incentive to ban the purchase of gasoline powered vehicles from 2035 onward to encourage Californians to drive EVs – the state could develop new laws to avoid hikers and partygoers from starting fires in remote areas, or new environmental regulations to further reduce emissions created by the state. 

Build Public Transportation System – Los Angeles is famous for its traffic, and with over 100,000 residents trying to evacuate – that traffic only becomes more jammed; subjecting everyone in a dangerous scenario. Returning to the idea of building a sufficient public transportation system for the area can help to reduce the GHG emissions created by cars and also provide a safe, alternative evacuation method for residents.

Use AI & Technology – In terms of future wildfires, California can utilise AI and smart sensors to collect passive data on real-time weather and fire conditions to improve emergency preparedness and planning. 

Focus on Ecosystem Restoration – In the same way that pillars serve as structural pieces for a sturdy building, ecosystem health is pivotal to help support biodiversity and mitigate the effects of climate change. Therefore, Los Angeles should dedicate ample time and resources to replant vegetation and help surrounding wildlife following the wildfires. 

Overall, the root cause of these wildfires is skyrocketing temperatures and erratic weather patterns – meaning the best way to move forward is to work towards long-term emission reduction goals, which Greenly can help with.

If reading this article on the current Los Angeles wildfires has inspired you to consider your company’s own carbon footprint, Greenly can help.

At Greenly we can help you to assess your company’s carbon footprint, and then give you the tools you need to cut down on emissions. We offer a free demo for you to better understand our platform and all that it has to offer – including assistance on how to reduce emissions, optimise energy efficiency, and more to make sure your business doesn’t contribute to devastating natural disasters. 

Learn more about Greenly’s carbon management platform here.

What is wildfire smoke, why is it dangerous for human health, and why has it been the subject of news in Canada, the Northeastern coast of the United States, the midwest, and most recently L.A.?

Is Wildfire Smoke Dangerous for Health?

Disclaimer: While Greenly does it's best to provide you with the most up-to-date information, we cannot serve as proficient medical advice – and it is always important to consult a doctor if your are experiencing the side effects of wildfire smoke. Please ensure to look up local authority recommendations for how to handle post-exposure care to wildfire smoke. 

Wildfire smoke is becoming so prevalent in our daily life, that even famous entertainers such as singers like Shawn Mendes are starting to incorporate the negative effects that these natural disasters have on our lives into their music and artwork – and while releasing a new song and offering to donate to the red cross is a good way to raise awareness, it's important to remember how effective it would be to work towards preventing wildfire smoke from occurring in the first place.

Provided to YouTube by Universal Music Group

WHAT THE HELL ARE WE DYING FOR ? · Shawn Mendes

WHAT THE HELL ARE WE DYING FOR ?

℗ 2023 Island Records, a division of UMG Recordings, Inc.

Released on: 2023-06-09

Producer, Associated  Performer, Drums: Mike Sabath
Producer: Shawn Mendes
Studio  Personnel, Mixer: Andrew Maury
Studio  Personnel, Mastering  Engineer: Joe LaPorta
Associated  Performer, Guitar, Bass: Eddie Benjamin
Associated  Performer, Piano: Scott Harris
Studio  Personnel, Recording  Engineer: Alex Pyle
Studio  Personnel, Asst.  Recording  Engineer: Gillian Pelkonen
A& R: Ziggy Chareton
Composer  Lyricist: Shawn Mendes
Composer  Lyricist: Scott Harris
Composer  Lyricist: Eddie Benjamin
Composer  Lyricist: Michael Sabath

Auto-generated by YouTube.

WHAT THE HELL ARE WE DYING FOR ?

Recently, wildfire smoke has taken over the skies of multiple cities: such as Toronto, Ottawa, New York City, Washington D.C., and more – all as a result of a wildfire that occurred across Canada.

Wildfire smoke is a mix of gasses and other particles that are emitted after vegetation and buildings are burned – most often, after a wildfire occurs. Wildfire smoke can cause even healthy people to get sick, when there is enough wildfire smoke present in the air. 

This is because breathing in wildfire smoke can result in the following:

👉 Keep in mind that the symptoms of wildfire smoke are likely to vary depending on the age and health of the person being exposed to wildfire smoke – pregnant women, children, elderly, and people with pre-existing health conditions remain most vulnerable to the effects of wildfire smoke. 

Ultimately, wildfire smoke has the ability to make even the healthiest of people sick – but wildfire smoke is most alarming for people who are susceptible or have pre-existing respiratory health conditions such as asthma. This is because when we breathe in wildfire smoke, it goes deeper into the lungs – ultimately affecting the respiratory system.

Most recently, wildfire smoke has taken multiple cities in Canada and the Northeast of the United States by storm.

Almost all of New York state is under a air quality alert because of smoke from wildfires in Canada blowing into the area.

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Canadian wildfire smoke envelops NYC

The table below will explain the impact of wildfire smoke from various wildfires over the last few years:

<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%; text-align: left;">
    <thead>
        <tr style="background-color: #f2f2f2;">
            <th>Year</th>
            <th>Location</th>
            <th>Cause</th>
            <th>Impact on Air Quality</th>
            <th>Health Effects</th>
            <th>Global Reach</th>
        </tr>
    </thead>
    <tbody>
        <tr>
            <td>2023</td>
            <td>Los Angeles, USA</td>
            <td>Heatwaves, dry vegetation, human activity</td>
            <td>Significant PM2.5 levels, AQI in "Unhealthy" range</td>
            <td>Increased respiratory issues, eye irritation, hospitalisations</td>
            <td>Smoke spread across the western United States</td>
        </tr>
        <tr>
            <td>2023</td>
            <td>Maui, Hawaii</td>
            <td>Dry conditions, suspected human activity</td>
            <td>Localised poor air quality; PM2.5 levels surged</td>
            <td>Health warnings issued, evacuation-related stress</td>
            <td>Minimal global impact, largely local issue</td>
        </tr>
        <tr>
            <td>2023</td>
            <td>Canada</td>
            <td>Extreme heat, lightning strikes</td>
            <td>Record-breaking smoke levels; NYC AQI > 400 ("Hazardous")</td>
            <td>Severe respiratory effects, school and outdoor activity cancellations</td>
            <td>Smoke drifted to the US, Europe, and even reached the Arctic</td>
        </tr>
        <tr>
            <td>2020</td>
            <td>Australia</td>
            <td>Prolonged drought, arson, extreme heat</td>
            <td>PM2.5 levels 20 times the safe limit in Sydney and Canberra</td>
            <td>Respiratory illnesses, heat-related stress, displacement of vulnerable populations</td>
            <td>Smoke circled the globe, visible from space</td>
        </tr>
    </tbody>
</table>


In short, yes – wildfire smoke is bad for your lungs and is especially dangerous for pregnant women, children, the elderly, and people with pre-existing respiratory conditions. 

Wildfire smoke is bad because it contains fine particles, otherwise known as PM2.5, which can produce toxic emissions when combusted.

The health effects of wildfire smoke can range from mild to severe: with a light case of wildfire smoke exposure causing nothing more than more coughing than usual, whereas an acute case of wildfire smoke exposure could result in cardiovascular damage – to the extent where someone could have a heart attack. 

However, wildfire smoke most notably aggravates the lungs and can fuel lung cancer – especially those already susceptible such as someone with asthma, bronchitis,  or someone who already smokes. 

👉 Wildfire smoke is also composed of harmful elements and chemicals such as carbon monoxide and  nitrogen oxides – both of which aren’t good for the human body to inhale.

In addition to having an impact on the respiratory and the cardiovascular system, wildfire smoke can also result in decreased cognitive abilities – as decreased ability to breathe with ease can reduce the amount of oxygen being fed to the brain, causing people to feel “foggy” and not as sharp as usual. 

How can people protect themselves against wildfire smoke?

Most often, the best way to prevent the side effects of wildfire smoke is to limit exposure – meaning if there’s been a wildfire, it’s best to stay inside for as long as possible. 

However, this isn’t always feasible as many people have lives to get to – so here are some tips to stay safe if wildfire smoke is currently present in your area.

Watch the news for updates on air quality reports and updates about how to practice good safety measures in your area while you await the wildfire smoke to pass.

Use air visibility guides if they’re available, especially if you plan on driving, as sometimes wildfire smoke can get so bad it becomes dangerous to drive – making wildfire smoke a driving hazard as well. 

Stay indoors if it’s possible – remember to keep windows and doors shut until further notice, and run the air conditioner whilst keeping the air filter closed to make sure that particles from the wildfire smoke outside don’t end up inside your home. If you have no air conditioning and it’s too hot outside to stay put where you are, seek public shelter with air conditioning until the wildfire smoke warnings subside. 

Filter the air in your home if it’s possible, especially if you have a respiratory or heart condition that could make you more susceptible to the negative effects of wildfire smoke. There is often an air filter setting for most air conditioning systems. 

Wear a mask if you must go outside – if you have any masks laying around from the Covid-19 pandemic, this is a good time to pull them back out again. This is because wearing a mask can help to trap the particles which could threaten your lungs in the mask instead – similar to how wearing a mask helps prevent germs from entering your body. However, it is important to remember that wearing even a high quality mask shouldn’t serve as a replacement for staying inside and remaining safe from exposure from wildfire smoke. 

Don’t burn anything else to aggravate the climate when wildfire smoke levels are already at a high – it is best to stay away from burning candles, fireplaces, or from having a barbecue during a wildfire smoke breakout. In addition to this, it’s best to prevent smoking as well – as this also contributes to air pollution. 

Call your doctor if you have a health condition that makes you more vulnerable to wildfire smoke to ensure you stay safe and healthy. Call your doctor if your symptoms worsen.

Check the wildfire smoke conditions of your local park before heading out for any summer recreational activities like a soccer game, wedding, or graduation – as large parks or forests may be subject to wildfires themselves this season. 

👉 Ultimately, the best thing that people can do during a wildfire smoke breakout is to stay inside and away from poor air quality that could make them sick.

Are the skies of Toronto and New York City yellow because of wildfire smoke?

Following the wildfires, many pictures have been taken and plastered across the web showing a hazy and yellow New York City skyline – looking almost apocalyptic. 

Multiple cities have been affected by the wildfire smoke, all the way from Toronto to as far as Kansas city – but many have wondered why the wildfire smoke has altered the color of the sky so much, with some cities seeming milkier and darker than usual.

It's another hazy day in St. Louis with temperatures returning to the 80s to near 90 today.   Wildfire smoke from eastern Canada is being drawn southwest into our region The air quality alert is back.

These fires are in eastern Canada. A blocking pattern in the atmosphere is sending the smoke as far west as Kansas City.  The smoke is heaviest along the east coast of the United States.

The smoke looks like a milky haze to the skies, despite the blue sky breaking through. The smoke appears to be thinner than Monday.

A weak front will drift across the region from northeast to southwest Wednesday with a couple of showers or spot storms possible.  Moisture is very limited, so coverage is going to be very sparse and of little help in easing dry conditions.

The odds for beneficial rain are increasing over the weekend. Many areas could be in line for the heaviest rain in weeks.

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Canadian wildfire smoke drifts as far west as Kansas City

Usually, sunlight comes down to Earth as a clear white beam that helps to produce ROYGBIV – or red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet. However, when a wildfire occurs – particles of smoke end up being larger than the molecules that usually linger in the air and end up absorbing the blue, green, and purple hues we are used to seeing. Wildfire smoke can change how light is perceived and ultimately reflects different colors to us than we normally would view without wildfire smoke. 

👉 Think of the haze created by a campfire or someone barbecuing – the wildfires have had the same effect on the skies of entire cities.

The most recent wildfire smoke happened as a result of numerous wildfires that broke out across Canada – most notably the wildfires that happened north of Ottawa in Quebec and the wildfire outbreaks north of Calgary. 

These wildfires in Canada, resulting in the massive wildfire smoke seeping its way across the continent, has occurred as a result of human activity and changes to surrounding landscapes – which have made these areas more prone to wildfires.

As the wildfires across Canada run rampant, as this is expected to be one of the worst wildfire seasons in history for the country until August – the smoke from the wildfires in Eastern Canada are being pushed towards the U.S. and Canadian border due to high atmospheric pressure.  

How were cities affected by the wildfire smoke?

Multiple cities in both Canada and the United States have been greatly affected by the subsequent wildfire smoke from the wildfires occurring in Canada – such as Toronto, Ottawa, New York City, Washington D.C., Boston, Philadelphia, and Chicago. 

Many of these cities were under alert for air quality warnings – with people being advised to stay inside until further notice and remaining wary of the potential health effects of wildfire smoke. Wind patterns have revealed that the aftermath of the Canadian wildfires could last for several days – with people in many major Midwest and northeast U.S. cities, in addition to the nearby Canadian cities, needing to remain vigilant of the current air quality before planning anything outdoors.

👉 In addition to threatening people on the ground, the deteriorated air quality from wildfire smoke has caused air traffic across the U.S. – with many flights experiencing delays due to the lack of visibility needed for flying.

In early January 2025, two major wildfires in the Los Angeles area broke out – with the biggest wildfires taking place in the Palisades and Eaton areas. 

💡 As a result, these areas have led to substantial smoke and deteriorated air quality – with the Los Angeles area still experiencing yellow levels of Air Quality Index (AQI) up to a week after the initial wildfire smoke was released into the air.

The most recent wildfires at the start of 2025 in Los Angeles demonstrate how even celebrities and day-to-day average citizens can be impacted by wildfires – as no amount of wealth, fame, or status can protect us from the negative consequences of climate change.

Palisades Fire – Having destroyed over 420 homes and with only 13% of the wildfire contained as of January 13th, 2025 – this has shown to be one of the most devastating wildfires and natural disasters in the state since the Malibu fires back in November 2018.

Eaton Fire – Having only been 27% contained as of Monday, January 13th 2025, taking 16 lives, and damaged over 7,000 buildings and homes – the Eaton fires have proven to be equally as destructive.  

Wildfire Smoke Impact on Air Quality in Los Angeles

The South Coast Air Quality Management District issued a wildfire smoke advisory for most of Southern California, including Los Angeles County, following the Palisades and Eaton wildfires – as this wildfire smoke was able to be seen for miles across Southern California.

💡 In fact, many areas in L.A. have reached "very unhealthy" of air quality – with some regions of Los Angeles recording PM2.5 concentrations.

Stay Indoors – People living in L.A., especially with underlying health conditions, are advised to stay indoors – such as by keeping windows and doors closed, and use air conditioning to filter indoor air.

Protect Employees – The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) has urged employers to protect workers from wildfire smoke exposure. This can include implementing a short-term mask mandate or allow remote work until the air quality improves. 

Wear Proper Clothing – In addition to the negative effects of wildfire smoke from the recent wildfires, strong Santa Ana winds are making it more difficult for firefighters to put out existing fires. This means wearing clothing to protect not only your nose, but your eyes and mouth to avoid ingestion fine particle matter or foreign debris from entering your eyes. 

👉 Remember, for the most up-to-date information – it is paramount to consult the information provided by your local news outlets and official sources such as the South Coast Air Quality Management District and Cal Fire.

What are some ways to prevent wildfire smoke in the future?

The only surefire way to prevent wildfire smoke from occurring, is to lessen the likelihood of wildfires happening – something that has become common from California to Australia in recent years due to climate change.

While climate change ultimately holds the power to spur on the drastic wildfires that are causing wildfire smoke, there are still several things that humans can do to lessen the potential impact or occurrence of a wildfire.

For instance, one of the best ways to prevent a wildfire is to check drought conditions before choosing an area to have an activity. Common summer festivities such as fireworks for the 4th of July or a barbecue could easily facilitate a wildfire under the right weather conditions. Staying away from anything flammable is imperative and can help prevent a wildfire all together, which also helps to prevent wildfire smoke.

Taking care of your vehicles, various equipment, and keeping cars off of dry grass is also key – as the heat left behind the engines could easily spread further than you think and provoke future wildfires and wildfire smoke.

👉 Keeping anything that could cause a fire or even create heat away from dry vegetation is key to preventing wildfires.

At the end of the day, wildfire smoke is a serious health hazard as it could cause impaired respiratory system functioning and impact livelihood. 

Therefore, it is best to prevent wildfire smoke from even occurring – as it’s easier and more beneficial to prevent wildfires from happening in the future rather than to try and course correct a massive wildfire smoke outbreak like the one currently taking both the U.S. and Canada by storm.

If reading this article about if wildfire smoke is dangerous for your health has made you interested in reducing your carbon emissions to further fight against climate change – Greenly can help you!

Wildfires and the subsequent smoke is just one of the many surprising things to occur or be aggravated by in the midst of climate change, but don’t worry – Greenly is here to help. Book a demo with one of our specialists to learn more. 

Greenly can help you make an environmental change for the better, starting with a carbon footprint assessment to know how much carbon emissions your company produces.

What is the air quality index, how does it work, why is it important in today’s society as climate change progresses, and how can air quality index be improved?

What is the Air Quality Index?

Many people may not realise that some of the most harmful pollutants there are in the world exist in the atmosphere, better known as air pollution which is calculated by air quality index – or AQI for short. 

Air quality index is becoming an important tool to help measure the quality of the air and the harmful effects that air pollution poses, given many wildfires and subsequent wildfire smoke have been occurring as a result of global warming and increased human activity. 

What is the air quality index, how does air quality data work, why is it important in today’s society as climate change progresses, and how can air quality index be improved?

What is the air quality index and how does it work?

The air quality index is a method to report the daily air quality to communicate how polluted it is in a certain area. Ultimately, the air quality index is beneficial because it can help prevent people with increased health risks from exposing themselves to poor air quality and suffering from the consequences of air pollution.

The AQI, or Air Quality Index, works by determining the health effects someone may have after a few hours to a few days of being exposed to excessively polluted air. In addition to this, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) helps to calculate the Air Quality Index (AQI) with the help of the five major  pollutants regulated in the Clean Air Act: 

The EPA has established various air quality standards for each pollutant to encourage the country to improve malicious exposure to the public. 

👉 Ground-level ozone and airborne particles are the two pollution which are most detrimental to human health and safety in the United States – as these two major pollutants can elicit more serious health effects and can easily raise a health concern for sensitive groups.

A description of what the AQI scale means for the air we breathe.

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The AQI Explained

Air Quality Index (AQI) is measured with the help of the EPA on a numerical scale ranging from 0 to 500 – with lower numbers demonstrating better air quality and higher numbers correlating to worse air quality.

💡 The lower the number is, the more there is little or no risk to experiencing the negative health effects of pollutants such as sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and more. 

<table>
  <thead>
    <tr>
      <th>AQI Range</th>
      <th>Air Quality Category</th>
      <th>Health Implications</th>
    </tr>
  </thead>
  <tbody>
    <tr>
      <td>0-50</td>
      <td>Green = Good</td>
      <td>Air quality is fine and does not pose a health risk.</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>51-100</td>
      <td>Yellow = Moderate</td>
      <td>Air quality is fair, but there could be some pollutants that could prove sensitive for some people.</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>101-150</td>
      <td>Orange = Unhealthy for Certain or Susceptible People</td>
      <td>Those sensitive or susceptible to air pollution may have side effects, but the general public isn’t as likely to be affected.</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>151-200</td>
      <td>Red = Unhealthy</td>
      <td>People in good health may feel the effects of the current air quality; sensitive people may have serious effects.</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>201-300</td>
      <td>Purple = Very Unhealthy</td>
      <td>Emergency health warnings may be necessary as air quality starts to affect the majority of the population.</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>301-500</td>
      <td>Maroon = Hazardous</td>
      <td>Health alerts are crucial as everyone is prone to experience severe health side effects.</td>
    </tr>
  </tbody>
</table>


👉 Think of the air quality monitoring like the stadiometers used at the amusement park for people to measure their height. The taller someone is, the higher they stand on the stadiometer – just like the Air Quality Index. The higher the number on the “ruler” or scale for AQI value, the worse the current air pollution is and the more cause for concern in terms of public health.

An Air Quality Index (AQI) of 50 or below is generally representative of good air quality, whereas an AQI of over 300 is worrisome and represents a dangerous Air Quality Index.

Air Quality Index levels that are above 100 are concerning to the general public – as it starts to have a serious impact on vulnerable groups of people: such as those who are pregnant, children, those with pre-existing health conditions, and the elderly. 

👉 The Air Quality Index (AQI) is split into six, color coded categories to help make it easier for people to recognise Air Quality Index faster and take the necessary precautions to protect themselves from poor air quality.

The Air Quality Index (AQI) is important because it is the primary method used to communicate the current air quality to ensure the public remains informed of the current levels of air pollution. 

However, there are more reasons besides being a means of communication why the Air Quality Index is important. For instance, the Air Quality Index can help people to understand why they have developed new allergies or health circumstances by learning about the concentration of pollutants in the atmosphere where they live. This can help people learn which medications and precautions to take to protect themselves from poor air quality in the future. 

 💡As a result, the Air Quality Index can help raise awareness on the importance of seeking to improve the air quality in the United States. 

How does air quality data help in the fight against climate change?

Unbeknownst to most, the Air Quality Index can also serve as a tool to understand the impact of our daily human activities on pollution. This is because a high Air Quality Index is often a result of rising greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, the Air Quality Index can encourage us to become more sustainable and develop innovative ways to reduce our carbon footprint.

Lastly, the Air Quality Index can serve as numerical data to persuade policymakers and public health agencies to develop new, up-to-date environmental policies. In other words, old environmental legislation will not be effective in a world where 70,000 wildfires occur every year. Documented proof of poor air quality may help to send government and other officials to the edge to pass legislation that could actually work to help improve poor air quality.

💡 Air Quality Index (AQI) can help to prevent people susceptible to lung or cardiovascular health problems from being exposed in poor air quality for too long. 

Think of air quality index in a similar way to people with diabetes that measure their blood sugar before deciding to eat something or not – air quality index works in a similar way as it can help people to monitor their intake of polluted or toxic substances in the air. Just like someone with diabetes and sugar, someone vulnerable to poor air quality doesn’t have to limit their exposure outside entirely – but the air quality index can help them to avoid being outside when air pollution is at its worst.

👉 Ultimately, the Air Quality Index is imperative to spread awareness, encourage governments to create stronger environmental legislation to improve the current air quality, and to protect the health of Americans.

Why was the Air Quality Index (AQI) in New York City alarming?

In June 2023, wildfire smoke took over the New York City skyline as a result of wildfires in Canada that same year. This led to record-breaking air pollution, with New York City recording some of the worst air quality across the world during its smoggy week in summer 2023.

Here are some reasons why the Air Quality Index in New York City was concerning:

Amount of Fine Particles in the Air –  A smoky NYC skyline saw an AQI that exceeded 400, which is far beyond the "healthy" air quality data – meaning that the air was filled with numerous fine particles which could cause people to experience health effects.

Health Effects of Long-Term Exposure – These conditions lasted in NYC for several days, making the city (home to around 8 million people) unhealthy for sensitive groups as it made them more susceptible to effects such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, throat irritation, and even heart disease. Furthermore, residents of the city reported other respiratory issues – such as eye irritation and increased risk to asthma.

Impact to Groups Unusually Sensitive – The air quality forecast in NYC during June 2023 made almost everyone sensitive to air pollution, as emergency conditions were sent out to millions of New Yorkers to advise that outdoor activities, such as school sports and public events – were canceled or postponed. This demonstrated how even young, healthy resdients of a vibrant city such as New York can remain vulnerable to the effects of climate change – as it can have an impact on your personal life.

"Wildfires are likely to become more common with climate change, so it is critical that we examine public health impacts and risks associated with these events." – Dr. James McDonald, State Health Commissioner.

The New York State Department and New York City officials advised all residents to use masks and stay indoors as much as possible, which then inspired public awareness campaigns which highlighted the negative impacts of remaining exposed to wildfire smoke for too long. 

👉 Furthermore, the New York State Department released a study in June 2023 after the wildfire smoke on its impact on people with asthma to pinpoint the dangerous effects of climate-change induced weather. 

 💡 Ultimately, the wildfire smoke in a location as reputable as NYC illustrated the need to further dedicate ourselves to environmental conservation – as the event demonstrates the growing frequency of weather-related impacts as a result of climate change. 

What are some places in the world with the best and worst air quality index?

Unfortunately, mass production and the spike of the industrial revolution have resulted in most major cities across the globe falling subject to a poor rating on the Air Quality Index. However, that being said – there are some cities that have exceptionally poor air quality.

Places with the worst air quality (Worst AQI)

Here are a few of the world’s cities with the worst Air Quality Index:

With the population of the metro area of this bustling Asian city totaling to almost 33 million people, Delhi has some of the worst air quality in the world – with an Air Quality Index of 202. This puts Delhi in the purple (or very unhealthy) range for the Air Quality Index.

Ranking 125, or orange (unhealthy for vulnerable people) on the Air Quality Index, this South American city has relatively low air quality according to the Air Quality Index.

Home to new architecture and a melting pot of cultures, this middle eastern city ranks 117, also orange (unhealthy for vulnerable people) on the Air Quality Index – large in part from excessive vehicle emissions.

Places with the best air quality (Best AQI)

However, not all cities struggle to prevent toxic particles and pollutants from making a home in their sky. 

Here's a list of cities with some of the best air quality in the world:

It isn’t just all the fresh mountain air that makes Switzerland smell so crisp, and though it certainly doesn't hurt – Zurich and Switzerland as a whole have some of the best air quality in the world in part due to the city's strong efforts to reduce pollution from vehicles. This has been done by ensuring public transportation such as trams are always provided.

👉 Did you know that all tourists staying in hotels in Switzerland are always offered a complimentary public transportation pass? This is how the country encourages even travelers to reduce their carbon footprint and improve air quality.

Secluded in between mainland North America and Europe, this city often makes use of its own geothermal energy to prevent the need to use finite resources such as fossil fuel – giving Reykjavik an Air Quality Index of 15.

South of Sydney and east of Canberra, this Australian city has an Air Quality Index of 50, making it one of the least polluted cities in the world with good air quality.

Is there a way that cities like Dubai, Delhi, and Santiago can improve their Air Quality Index?

Besides with stricter environmental legislation and national programs such as the Clean Air Act – there are many things that people can do in their daily lives to help improve the Air Quality Index in their area.

For starters, one of the best things that people can do is to drive their cars less – opting to bike, walk, or use public transportation can make a big difference. If this isn’t feasible where you live, investing in an electric car or other kinds of electric vehicles may be worthwhile – and under Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, you’ll be subject to a tax reduction. This can also help to reduce gas consumption, which is another culprit of a poor rating on the Air Quality Index.

Making sure your car remains in top condition is another way to ensure that excess emissions are being prevented, in a similar way it’s important to rinse your razor for a cleaner shave or empty your backpack from heavy items so you can walk faster. 

👉 A poor rating on the Air Quality Index is often a result of excessively using vehicles that make use of gasoline.

Small things like aiming to recycle and prevent the use of plastic can also help to improve the Air Quality Index. This is because plastic can cause greenhouse gas emissions which pollute the air.

Ultimately, the Air Quality Index serves as a great tool to tell us the current quality of the air outside and to protect people from getting sick – but how we move forward with that data and strive to improve the Air Quality Index for current and future generations is the most useful thing we could all do with that data.

If reading this article the Air Quality Index (AQI) has made you interested in reducing your carbon emissions to further fight against climate change – Greenly can help you!

The Air Quality Index (AQI) U.S. is just one of the many environmental policies, methods, and tools being developed to take control of climate change. Check out our legislation tracker here to see which rules your company has to adhere to.

In this article, we’ll explain what ecodesign is, what the main goals and benefits are, examples, and why we should all get involved with ecodesign.

What is Ecodesign?

If we want to adequately fight against climate change, we need to alter everything we do – from the way we eat, travel, and even the way we develop and build infrastructure, and this is where ecodesign comes in.

Ecodesign refers to the method of designing a product or service with the environment in mind, meaning that the product would seek to reduce its environmental impact, promote sustainability, and increase overall business with an improved life-cycle. 

Ecodesign is the approach to drafting and constructing a building with the environment in mind. This means that the potential design should seek to either avoid or directly reduce its environmental impact on the surrounding area.

Seeing as construction and buildings are the backbone or setting for many of our daily activities, a concept such as eco design is crucial to reducing our environmental impact on a global scale long-term – making it an all-in-one approach to sustainable development.

What is eco-design in industry ?
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What is eco-design in industry ? (en)

💡 The main goal of ecodesign is to reduce the environmental impact that a product, service, or building has on the planet.

Stephanie Safdie, US Copywriter

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What is the Air Quality Index?

What is Ecodesign?

What is a Materiality Assessment?

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