Canadian village razed by wildfire wrestles with climate-proofing its future

Aug 11, 2022

A helicopter drops water over a wildfire in the Spryfield area of Nova Scotia, Canada.

Climate change intensifies the risk of destructive weather and events like wildfires. Image: REUTERS/Paul Darrow (CANADA DISASTER IMAGES OF THE DAY ENVIRONMENT)

Nia Williams

Senior Reporter, Thomson Reuters Foundation

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Tricia Thorpe and her husband Don Glasgow stand in the footprint of their former home, a year after a wildfire entirely destroyed the western Canadian village of Lytton, British Columbia, Canada. Image: REUTERS/Jennifer Gauthier

insured losses extreme weather Canada wildfires climate change

Insured damage for severe weather events across Canada hit C$2.1 billion in 2021. Image: Reuters Graphics

Chart showing total hectares burned by wildfire in British Columbia.

2.1 million acres of land was destroyed by wildfires in British Columbia in 2021. Image: Reuters Graphics

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