California Fires
Recent fires in California only strengthen the climate change argument. In an article posted by the New York Times, "The fires compounded the suffering of what has already been one of the state’s worst fire seasons on record, including the blazes that ravaged the wine country north of San Francisco in October" (Medina & Peña). State officials are also informing that "with climate change, more fires are occurring later in the year". These fires have been burning for weeks with no end in sight in Southern California. In October of this year the nation saw fires that killed at least 40 people in the northern part of the state, signifying "higher than usual" wildfire disasters. As of January 2nd, 2018 the wildfires have been 92 percent contained. According to a report by Fox News, the fires "caused at least 50,000 people to evacuate, destroyed 1,063 structures and scorched roughly 281,893 acres" (Farber). To read more on this pressing issue click here. To help families impacted by this tragedy there are many ways and organizations to donate to: UnitedWay, Los Angeles Fire Department, Red Cross, and Salvation Army.
Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria
You This past Atlantic hurricane season was 8th most active season ever. This season had six major hurricanes (category 3 or greater). There were a total of 882 fatalities as a result of this season. Hurricane Harvey devastated eastern Texas making landfall on August 25th near Rockport. Hurricane Harvey caused roughly 198.63 billion dollars in damages, and there were a reported 91 casualties related to the hurricane. Soon after, on the night of September 5-6 Hurricane Irma made its impact on Antigua and Barbuda. Ann M. Simmons from the Los Angeles Times reported that almost 95% of all structures in Barbuda were damaged in some way as a result of Irma's havoc. Then, Irma continued on her path towards the mainland United States passing north of Puerto Rico. Even though Irma did not make landfall in Puerto Rico, the island suffered over one billion dollars in damages. Irma would then reach Florida where its impacts would take the lives of 90 and cause a little less than 50 billion in damages, according to The Guardian. However, Irma would not be the last hurricane to come through the recovering Antilles. Hurricane Maria would become the worst hurricane to thrash the Antilles less than a month after Irma. Hurricane Maria became the third costliest Hurricane in history, and the costliest in Puerto Rico's history. Puerto Rico, territory of the United States, was devastated and many inhabitants are still without power. A handful have been without power since Hurricane Irma, on September 6th. The rise in natural disasters is indisputable. Click here to read more on the devastating impacts of these hurricanes. If you want to help you may donate through: the American Red Cross, United For Puerto Rico, and All Hands Volunteers.