Lorraine Boissoneault's 'Body Weather' Explores Fire, Climate, and Ancient Caregiving
In her upcoming book, 'Body Weather: Notes on Chronic Illness in the Anthropocene,' set for release in 2026, Lorraine Boissoneault delves into the intricate ties between humanity and fire, alongside its modern repercussions. The work reflects on the devastating Canadian wildfire season of 2023, which scorched over 18.4 million hectares—exceeding the 40-year average by more than seven times. The smoke from these wildfires created hazardous air quality conditions across North America, notably in Chicago in June 2023. Stephen J. Pyne's term 'pyrocene' characterizes this era of extreme wildfires and climate change fueled by fossil fuels. Additionally, archaeologist Lorna Tilley’s 'bioarchaeology of care' framework highlights ancient community support for the disabled, featuring a Neanderthal child with Down syndrome and a paralyzed man in Vietnam. Beacon Press will publish the book.
Key facts
- Lorraine Boissoneault authored 'Body Weather: Notes on Chronic Illness in the Anthropocene' in 2026.
- The 2023 Canadian wildfire season burned over 18.4 million hectares, exceeding the 40-year average by more than seven times.
- Stephen J. Pyne coined the term 'pyrocene' to describe the current era of mega-wildfires and fossil fuel-driven climate change.
- Lorna Tilley developed the 'bioarchaeology of care' framework to analyze ancient community support for disabled individuals.
- Archaeological evidence shows a Neanderthal child with Down syndrome lived past age 6 due to community care.
- A paralyzed young man in northern Vietnam survived for a decade around 4,000 years ago through intensive community support.
- Smoke from 2023 Canadian wildfires caused hazardous air quality in Chicago and other parts of North America.
- Beacon Press published the book in 2026.
Entities
Artists
- Lorraine Boissoneault
- Stephen J. Pyne
- Lorna Tilley
- Mia Mingus
Institutions
- Beacon Press
- Smithsonian magazine
- The Atlantic
- Salon
- Nautilus
- American Lung Association
- EPA
- World Health Organization
- Grand Canyon National Park
Locations
- British Columbia
- Canada
- Kelowna
- Chicago
- United States
- North America
- Quebec
- Yukon
- New York
- Great Lakes
- Lake Michigan
- Michigan
- Cook County
- Indonesia
- Eurasia
- North Dakota
- Israel
- Qesem Cave
- South Africa
- Siberia
- Vietnam