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John, As Southern California continues to battle devastating fires and thousands of folks face the hard work of rebuilding their lives, we can’t ignore the larger forces at play. Wildfires have always been part of California’s ecosystem, but the scale and intensity of today’s fires are undeniable symptoms of the climate crisis. Decades of drought, followed by extremely heavy rainfall in 2022 and 2023, caused a surge of vegetation growth across California. In 2024, grass and shrubs became tinder-dry after record heatwaves and drought struck again. Scientists call these “whiplash conditions,” and they’re the direct result of a warming planet. This cycle is making fire seasons longer, wildfires more destructive, and recovery efforts increasingly difficult for communities across Los Angeles and beyond. Amid the devastation, we’ve also seen a surge of dangerous misinformation spreading online. From baseless conspiracy theories about the fires’ origins to old or AI-generated videos falsely depicting the fires’ spread and firefighters’ efforts, these false claims undermine recovery efforts and sow confusion when communities most need clear, accurate information. Officials like FEMA and the Los Angeles Fire Department are working tirelessly to counter these lies, but the stakes are too high for us to stay silent. This is a moment for collaboration and unity, not division. By supporting recovery efforts and amplifying trusted voices like FEMA and the Los Angeles Fire Department, we can ensure that communities have the necessary resources to rebuild and recover. If you’re in a position to give, we urge you to support organizations that are making a direct impact in Southern California. Below are some groups that are providing vital resources, offering relief to displaced families, and preparing for the long road ahead:
In solidarity, The Jane Fonda Climate PAC Team |
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