"Are Politicians doing enough to battle climate change charged wildfires?" by Brooke. H

 

Currently there is the crisis of wildfires sweeping across the West coast of our nation. Many believe that these are being primarily caused by climate change. If so, are our politicians doing enough to prevent these dangerous wildfires? 

The scale of burning and death of these wildfires are at a magnitude not previously seen before. The US National Interagency Fire Center states there are at least 87 wildfires in 11 different states. Over 16,600 firefighters from across the world have been deployed to fight the wildfires in California alone. At least 25 people have died in California and 33 in Oregon since August with dozens more missing. In Oregon alone, more than 40,000 people have had to leave their homes. Parts of the West coast technically have the worst air quality in the world, with smog able to be seen all the way in Europe.  No matter what opinion or party, these wildfires are devastating and we need to find a solution soon. 

Climate change has triggered excessive heat and drought conditions across the world that exacerbate the wildfires. In California, six of the twenty biggest wildfires in state history have occurred this year alone.  The fires from just August to now have been said to have a, “significantly more intense than the 2003-2019 average for the whole country and the affected states,” from the Europe’s Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS). The fires alone have emitted over 30 megatons of carbon. West coast officials are saying that this has been eye opening for them, and they will try harder to battle climate change. 

Politicians across the country have openly spoken about what caused the wildfires and can be done to prevent them. President Trump issued a major disaster declaration in August and is set to visit Los Angeles on Sept. 21st as of writing this. He has put the blame of the wildfires on how the states have been handling the fires. Trump has previously stated that he doubted the reality of human made climate change and has withdrawn the US from the Paris Climate Accords.  Also, he has dismantled climate change and environmental policies nationally. 

L.A.’s mayor has criticised the white house claiming they haven’t done enough. “I listen to fire professionals, not the president of the United States,” and, “...talk to a firefighter if you think climate change isn’t real.” Oregon governor Inslee recalled the fires as, “apocalyptic,” and has also stated, “The only moisture in eastern Washington was the tears of people who have lost their homes.” Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden stated, “The science is clear, and deadly signs like these are unmistakable-climate change poses an imminent, existential threat to our way of life.” He emphasized that, “President Trump can try to deny that reality, but the facts are undeniable.” 

Sources: https://www.cnn.com/2020/09/16/weather/us-wildfires-smoke-europe-copernicus-intl/index.html

https://www.cnbc.com/2020/09/12/fires-in-oregon-california-and-washington-spread-death-toll-rises.html#:~:text=Historic%20wildfires%20are%20burning%20millions,people%20have%20fled%20their%20homes