Photo credit: Matthew Abbott for The New York Times

John -- It seems like a lifetime ago, but 2020 began with wildfire raging through Australia. 46 million acres of land burned, nearly 6,000 buildings destroyed, more than a billion animals are estimated to have been killed, and 57% of Australians were exposed to the wildfires so dire and widespread that smoke reached New Zealand. 

Australia suffered massive economic devastation. Wildfire losses were approximately $1.3 billion in insurance claims and, by January 2020, 26% of businesses had already been impacted by the wildfires. 

Did this devastation serve as a warning to our leaders? No. 

Less than a year later the same thing is happening on our shores. Despite countless warnings from experts and previous wildfire seasons.  

Right now, California is experiencing its worst-ever wildfire season (only surpassing last season), with over 3.3 million acres of land being impacted. Meanwhile Pacific Northwest fires have burned roughly 1.7 million acres, and we are weeks away from peak wildfire season. 

Photo credit: Josh Edelson/Getty

The culprit? Climate change. With increased temperatures and drought, wildfires are becoming more frequent and more severe. 

The impacts stretch far beyond loss of land and resources. Nearby communities are experiencing dire air quality and ash floating down from the sky. Thousands of buildings and structures are completely destroyed. We have lost 27 lives and counting.  

This is already the new norm. But it does not have to be, if we act now with aggressive measures to combat the devastating impacts of climate change.

We deserve a Congress who takes climate change seriously; one that will stand up and pass a Green New Deal now! Can you donate $10 today to help us elect a Brand New Congress?

This devastation is a direct result of failed leadership and inaction on the climate crisis.

And, no, it will not just ‘get cooler’ and ‘go away’ as the president claims, contrary to the overwhelming majority of scientists across the globe. Problems do not simply disappear, but rather they intensify the longer they are ignored. Climate science tells us we are well past the tipping point of ignoring this problem.

We need to trust the science, we need to listen to experts, and we need to act - fast. We need a Congress that will pass a Green New Deal. 

The world, quite literally, depends on it.

In solidarity,

Leigh O.
Brand New Congress