US President Donald Trump threatens tariffs on Canada over wildfires, Canada responds with calls for cooperation on climate change

US President Donald Trump has threatened to impose new tariffs on Canada due to hundreds of wildfires sending smoke into US cities. Trump accused Canada of 'willful negligence' in maintaining its forests and brush.

Wildfire Situation

As of Saturday, there were about 955 fires actively burning in Canada, with the majority burning out of control. More than 190 of those blazes are burning in Ontario, some out of control. Nearly 3 million hectares of land in Canada have already been destroyed by the wildfires.

US-Canada Relations

Relations between the US and Canada have been tense at times over the last year, mostly due to trade. Trump imposed tariffs on Canada last year, and both countries have yet to reach a trade deal. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney noted that it was the responsibility of both countries to fight climate change.

Scientific Perspective

Scientists say the picture is more complicated, with weather and wind patterns playing a significant role in the spread of smoke. Experts also say that many of the current fires are burning in Canada's vast, remote forests, where fires can be difficult to detect or contain before they become too large. Climate change is driving increasingly severe wildfire seasons, creating hotter, drier conditions that allow fires to spread more easily.