Smithsonian Magazine (Science & Nature)

Ancient Humans Mastered Fire. Now, Burning Fossil Fuels and Blazing Landscapes Threaten to ‘Undo the World’

Intensifying wildfires across North America in 2023 devastated 58,000 square miles of Canadian forest and sent smoke plumes into the United States, pushing particulate matter levels to 17.3 times WHO limits. A Nature study linked the smoke to 5,400 acute deaths and 64,000 premature deaths across the continent. Researchers note that global wildfire emissions have tripled since 2001, contributing to a 60% rise in forest‑fire carbon output, while climate scientist Stephen Pyne dubs the era the “pyrocene,” defined by mega‑wildfires and fossil‑fuel combustion. The piece also highlights archaeological evidence of long‑standing human care for disabled individuals, underscoring a broader narrative of resilience and responsibility.