Amid reporting on Canada’s highest recorded temperature, the town of Lytton in British Columbia has been ravaged by wildfires. Engulfed in flames, it is believed that around 90% of the area has been destroyed. In one instance, temperatures hit an almighty 49.6 degrees Celsius.

Home to around 250 people, residents could do nothing but flee as they saw the thick black smoke getting nearer. Edith Loring-Kuhanga, administrator at a local Lytton school took to Facebook to say, “Our poor little town of Lytton is gone. We loaded everything up into our vehicles and started driving… we had no power or internet in Lytton and everyone was trying to reach people. This is so devastating – we are all in shock! Our community members have lost everything.”

It’s not just Lytton that is experiencing the harsh effects of extreme weather; a helicopter meant to aid in stopping fires across British Colombia had to be grounded due to the engine overheating. B.C. announced that deaths deemed “sudden and unexpected” had risen to 486, abnormally high above the average of 165 for the same time period. Human habitats, bodies and daily lives are unable to adapt to extreme weather patterns faster than these systems cause destruction. 

What caused the fires? 

Extreme temperatures continue to hit parts of North America. What can only be described as a climate emergency is causing death and destruction in its wake. Labelled a “heat dome” over the Pacific Coast, hot air is being trapped and has thus created a flurry of wildfires, deaths and drought across Canada and the United States. 

An event like this was years, potentially decades in the making, according to some. Dr Friederike Otto speaking with the BBC said, "Every heatwave occurring today is made more likely and more intense by human induced climate change." 

As Lytton burns, Pakistan faces the world’s highest temperatures on the other side of the world. In the city of Jacobabad, temperatures can soar to 52 degrees Celsius. Many lack air conditioning but complain that being outside is too hot on their feet. As options are limited, residents are unable to do anything but suffer the heat and wait for it to pass.

Climate change and the extreme heat that comes with it has the opportunity to cause economic devastation to millions. Due to the temperatures and shifting weather patterns, farmland has dried out and food is growing smaller. Market trader Zahid Hussain said, “People are aware that the heat is getting up and up, but they are poor people. They can’t go anywhere, they can’t leave their places. I myself have been thinking about shifting, but have never got around to it.”

As record heat waves affect various areas of the world, the effects of climate change become increasingly more obvious. The idea that Lytton’s homes are burning and those residing in Jacobabad are unable to go outside due to the heat, should be enough for governments to realize they need to take faster action before these events become the new norm.