Lytton is historically one of Canada’s hottest places and recorded the country’s highest ever temperature, a searing 49.6C, in June. The area has been inhabited by the Nlaka’pamux First Nation for more than 10,000 years.
In late July, climate change dealt a fierce hand to the Canadian village when wildfires destroyed most of its buildings. It took just 30 minutes.
Born in Lytton, Peter Thompson now sells the street newspaper Megaphone in Vancouver, some 150 miles south-west of his hometown.
“The Lytton I know is a vibrant town beaming with pride, love, joy and happiness,” he says. “The people are always welcoming and help whenever they can. When folks come to gather, like on holidays, they have parades, farmers’ markets and even a swimming pool for hot days.
“My prayers are for Lytton and the surrounding communities impacted by fires. The people and elders who lost their homes and many memories are taking it pretty hard. They are missing home and home-cooked meals, and are tired of being moved around from place to place.
“I also pray that this year will wake the government and big companies up about climate change. As our planet gets hotter and hotter, our water supply will diminish, and without water, nothing lives. They spend billions to look for life on other planets which could be used to save this one.”
