Canadian Wildfires 2026: Smoke Pollution Hits US Cities, Carbon Emissions Rise | Copernicus

Extreme wildfires in Canada since late June 2026 have generated thick smoke plumes that are causing severe air pollution across the United States. The Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS) reports that fires in Ontario, the Northwest Territories, and other provinces have produced some of the highest annual carbon emissions for the region. Cities like Toronto, New York, and Philadelphia have experienced hazardous air quality levels, sometimes double the index considered dangerous. The smoke has traveled as far as the Arctic and the North Atlantic, exposing millions to harmful PM2.5 particles. A recent study linked the 2023 Canadian wildfires to an estimated 70,400 deaths. CAMS continues to track the situation using satellite data and forecasts, noting that the smoke could affect the World Cup final in New Jersey. The article underscores the growing health and climate risks from intensifying wildfire seasons.