The ongoing wildfires in Canada and their effects on air quality in the United States have prompted discussions between the two countries. The Trump administration has called on Canada to prioritize "forest management" as a solution, according to Lee Zeldin, head of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Zeldin made these remarks during a meeting of G7 environment and energy ministers in Toronto.

Zeldin indicated that the two nations have differing views on the effectiveness of forest management strategies. He noted that climate scientists and data show that climate change has intensified the severity and frequency of wildfires, a point supported by NASA. Despite this, Zeldin has expressed skepticism about climate change, referring to it as a "religion" and advocating for the removal of regulations on fossil fuels, which are central to U.S. climate policy.

In recent months, Zeldin has engaged with Environment Canada regarding the wildfires that have devastated large areas of forest. He stated, "The impacts on the northern United States led to a lot of advocacy and questions coming from United States governors and congressional delegations and others." He emphasized the need for open dialogue between the two countries, despite differing approaches to wildfire management.

During the G7 meeting, Zeldin highlighted the importance of addressing wildfires, stating, "What Canada experienced, just like what California experienced last January, highlights the need to lean into forest management." He acknowledged the responsiveness of Canadian officials to inquiries about the fires but suggested that there was a friendly disagreement on how to tackle the issue.

The wildfires have also become a political issue in the U.S. A group of six Republican lawmakers from Wisconsin and Minnesota recently wrote to Canada’s ambassador to the U.S., expressing concerns about the smoke's impact on their communities. Congressman Tom Tiffany stated, "Our communities shouldn’t suffer because of poor decisions made across the border."

While techniques such as controlled burns and clearing debris are commonly accepted methods to reduce fire risk, Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew defended Canada’s approach. He pointed out that many fires in his province were ignited by lightning in remote areas where preventive measures are not feasible.

Canadian Environment Minister Julie Dabrusin responded to Zeldin’s comments by emphasizing her commitment to protecting Canadians affected by wildfires. "When we’re talking about wildfires in Canada, my primary obligation and concern is about Canadians who are being impacted," she said. "Do I share an absolute commitment to slow down wildfires and protect communities? Absolutely."

Experts have weighed in on the issue, with Lori Daniels, a forestry professor at the University of British Columbia, stating that climate change is the primary driver of the increasing wildfire threat. She argued that the U.S. must reduce its greenhouse gas emissions to contribute to a global solution. "Given that they are in the top three of greenhouse-gas emitters, maybe the onus could go back to them for some of that responsibility," Daniels said.

Daniels also noted that decades of effective firefighting have led to denser forests, which can exacerbate fire conditions. She called for a shift in the timber industry towards harvesting smaller trees and integrating more broadleaf species into forests. However, this shift could conflict with existing business models focused on larger trees, and may require government subsidies, which could lead to increased softwood-lumber tariffs in the U.S.

Daniels concluded, "Those rules to try to control our economy limit our options and, unfortunately, (Americans) had to pay the price this summer by breathing some smoke. They can’t have their cake and eat it too."