Catastrophe in Los Angeles
This was not the article we planned to write for the beginning of 2025, but due to the catastrophic fires and ensuing devastation and loss in Los Angeles and knowing fellow League members most certainly are affected, we are pivoting.
First and foremost, the Environmental Action Committee sends heartfelt wishes of safety and hope to all affected by this disaster. We know this not only touches those who have lost the most but also traumatizes whole communities, adjacent cities and friends and family of loved ones affected. We stand in solidarity with the people of Los Angeles and pledge to do anything we can to stop the global warming that so obviously is contributing to these disasters.
Here is some information to contemplate:
New York Times: 2024 saw the planet average temperature pass the 1.5 celsius threshold.
KTLA: In the downtown L.A. metro area, from May 6 to Dec. 31, the area only received 0.16″ of rain, making the seven-month stretch the second driest in recorded history, according to data from the National Weather Service.
NPR: During wildfires, drinking water can get contaminated in two ways: via the water source and the system that delivers it. The infrastructure of the water system itself can melt and contaminate the water, especially when the parts are made from plastic.
USEPA: The effects of smoke from wildfires can range from eye and respiratory tract irritation to more serious disorders, including reduced lung function, bronchitis, exacerbation of asthma and heart failure, and premature death. Children, pregnant women, and the elderly are especially vulnerable to smoke exposure.
CNN: Insurers in California have been refusing to write new policies in areas they consider to be at high risk for wildfires, which is a large percentage of the state.
At what risk do we continue to ignore the evidence?
Be kind to the planet, be kind to each other. Recycle your holiday lights, bring your tree to a Holiday Tree Recycling event, compost your food scraps any of the City’s 20 Compost Drop Off locations, bring your own bag and refillable water bottle and skip the City’s 10 cent Bag Tax and 5 cent water bottle tax. Email us at environment@lwvchicago.org to join our mission.