Amid the devastating wildfires ravaging Los Angeles, a group of survivors is directing their anger towards the primary culprit behind climate disasters: fossil fuels.
Individuals affected by the fires shared their heartbreak during a recent conference call, emphasizing the need for legal action and policies to hold major oil companies accountable for the destruction caused. Legislators are gearing up to introduce new laws with this objective in mind.
Danielle Havanas, who lost her home in the Palisades fire, expressed the profound loss experienced by many. She highlighted the sentimental value of personal belongings destroyed in the blaze, such as her late mother’s journal from 1981.
View image in fullscreenA person walks on the beach next to homes damaged by the Palisades fire in Malibu, California, on Thursday. Photograph: Jae C Hong/AP
While scientists are still investigating how much climate change contributed to these fires, existing research indicates that global warming sets the stage for more intense and frequent wildfires. UCLA researchers have linked a quarter of the dry conditions fueling these fires to climate change.
Sam James from Altadena recounted how her family’s generational wealth was decimated by this month’s Eaton fire. Many Black families had just begun building prosperity when tragedy struck.
Communities are grappling with rebuilding efforts while demanding accountability from big oil companies for their role in exacerbating climate change-related disasters.
2025-01-16 19:02:01
Original from www.theguardian.com