Kathryn McRuer-Nicol, residing in Montreal, shared her experience conducting research in a Gaspésie salt marsh in eastern Quebec under intense heat. The soaring temperature, reaching a record high for the region, made the fieldwork challenging. The team aimed to gather air samples and environmental data to study the impact of the European common reed on carbon storage in the marsh.
Despite the importance of their work in understanding climate change implications, the extreme heat posed a risk to the team’s well-being. Some members experienced symptoms of heat exhaustion, forcing them to retreat to a cooler environment. The oppressive conditions highlighted the immediate effects of climate change on research activities.
Having previously observed the impacts of wildfires during her time tree planting in northern Ontario, McRuer-Nicol emphasized the personal toll of climate change. She acknowledged the urgency of addressing the human aspect of the crisis, beyond its ecological consequences. The experience led her to reevaluate the role of scientific research in the face of environmental challenges.
Reflecting on her dual roles as a scientist and an individual, McRuer-Nicol emphasized the need for researchers to openly express their concerns about climate change. She highlighted the importance of translating scientific findings into actionable information for the public. As the summer drew to a close, the lasting impact of the intense heat underscored the urgency of addressing climate change issues.
McRuer-Nicol’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the pressing need for collective action in adapting to the changing environmental landscape.