Yes, the climate has changed that's why it must be a top priority in the upcoming election.
Threat to Public Health
Climate change is already causing significant harm to public health, including increased air pollution, more frequent heat waves, wildfires, and the spread of disease-carrying pests such as ticks and mosquitoes. These impacts disproportionately affect vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and low-income communities.
The largest ever wildfire in the state of TX can be linked to climate change. We have seen the "fire season" get longer in duration and larger in size as more acres burn year after year. We are seeing diseases spread to new areas by insects that are moving due to climate change.
These factors have a tremendous economic burden as do the other impacts of climate change that are also significant. Extreme weather events, such as hurricanes and wildfires, are becoming more frequent and severe, leading to billions of dollars in damages and economic losses. These costs are borne by taxpayers, businesses, and insurance companies and all have ripple effects throughout the economy.
The 2015 wildfire season was the largest on record, with more than half of the burned acres in Alaska. The 2015 fire season was 54% higher than the 10-year average and 133% higher than the long-term average. In 2016, over 6,900 fires burned an area of over 669,000 acres across California. The Soberanes Fire, which lasted 12 weeks and cost over $250 million to fight, was the costliest in California history. In 2017, the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) reported 66,131 fires that burned 9,781,062 acres, which is the third most. Year after year, disaster after disaster the problem continues to get worse and cost more money.
Either there is very good money in fighting these fires, so much so that political kickbacks ensure the problem continues or our elected leaders fail to understand or appreciate the severity of the problem. Either way, they have failed and must be replaced, now.
National Security
Climate change is also a threat to national security, as it can exacerbate conflicts over resources such as water and food, and can lead to displacement and migration. In addition, extreme weather events can disrupt critical infrastructure such as power grids and transportation systems, creating security vulnerabilities.
In recent years we have seen extreme cold cripple the power grid in the great state of TX that today is reeling from the largest fire in its history. According to the Pentagon climate change poses "immediate risks" to our national security. The National Intelligence Council has identified more than 30 U.S. installations that already are facing heightened risks from rising sea levels. The world’s largest naval base, Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia, already is experiencing regular tidal flooding, with the prospects of nearly daily flooding by mid-century. Hurricanes and extreme weather can hinder our military readiness, today. It will become untenable in 25 years.
Addressing the economic cost of our changing climate and supporting our military, and national security are pillars of conservative values.
In this critical moment, our collective future hangs in the balance, demanding bold action rather than passive acknowledgment. The undeniable impacts of climate change on public health, our economy, and national security underscore the urgent need for transformative leadership willing to confront these challenges head-on. As the upcoming election looms, we must prioritize the health of our planet and our people, recognizing that the cost of inaction far exceeds the investment in prevention and adaptation. Let us rise together, transcending political divisions, to champion a sustainable future for all. Our resolve in this election can be the turning point towards a resilient, equitable world where we not only survive but thrive in harmony with our environment. The time to act is now.
