John,
If you’re like me, you were pretty dismayed this last weekend. My family was stuck inside, unable to enjoy our usual weekend activities - biking, hiking, going for a walk in the neighborhood - all due to choking smoke. Thank climate change and political dysfunction.
Here are the facts:
- Climate change is causing the higher temperatures and dry air driving increased fires in northern California.
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Climate change is the main cause, not so-called “forest management.” Research actually finds that forest fires are worse in unprotected lands, where logging is allowed.
Addressing climate change requires systemic action, but too many politicians fail to act. Why? Because those who gain from destroying our climate - like the fossil fuel industry - work hard to donate and lobby. This is what we have to counter!
And our work doesn’t end when the fires stop. Soon we will trade orange air for brown and be stuck indoors again because of bad air. As with these fires, we have counter special interests in our politics.
From all of this anger and frustration, it’s hard to know what can be done. My recommendation? Step 1 - take a deep breath and know you’re not alone in your anger and frustration. Step 2 - get active. We have an email for you to send to your state elected officials telling them to take bold action. Government can make systemic change.
What we faced last week is unacceptable. o2 Utah is here to hold our policy makers accountable and counter the special interests during elections, when it matters most. Join us in reaching out to your elected officials today.
Thanks in advance,
David Garbett
Executive Director
