[NEWS] Unnatural "Natural" Disasters

“If you do not believe in climate change, you do not believe in facts or in science or empirical truths, and therefore, in my humble opinion, should not be allowed to hold public office.” — Leonardo DiCaprio

The news coverage in the past week or so was fire and fury - but with less Trump. Why? California Wildfires. The death toll continues to rise from the most destructive wildfire in history in California. The latest numbers show that more than 1,000 people are reported missing and 77 people dead. Take a look at this New York Times article with motion graphics to see how rapidly the fire spread in the first 12 hours on November 8th.

President announced (on Twitter) that he had "approved an expedited request for a Major Disaster Declaration for the State of California". However, he had also tweeted some misleading statements about the cause of this deadly disaster. At moments like this, I look back at the speech Leonardo DiCaprio, an actor and environmentalist, delivered in 2016 at an event he attended with former President Obama. Quoted above in the heading. Good times.

Wildfires in California is nothing new. In 2017, there were 71,499 wildfires. 9 out of 10 costliest wildfires in the United States happened in California. Even before the wildfire we are discussing, about 8.5 million acres were burned in 2018. "8.5 million acres" is a bigger acreage than many of our states including Rhode Island (0.7 million acres) and New Jersey (4.5 million acres).

There are various measures to interpret this massive disaster happening in California other than death tolls. More than 7,000 structures were destroyed in fire within 7 days. The state ordered evacuations of 81,000 people across the state from their homes. (Source:NYT) In 2017, the total estimated insured loss was almost $12 billion, which made the 2017 fire season the costliest on record. (Source Insurance Information Institute) It is difficult to fathom how much $$$$$ this year's damages are going to cost.

It's not only the fire itself, but also the plumes of smoke pervading Californian skies is a huge cause for concern. California residents are now investing in sophisticated masks that that prevent harmful pollutants penetrate. According to my coworker who just came back from Northern California for work, "it almost feels like you are in a war zone." Tiny particles floating all over the state are causing respiratory discomfort to its citizens and can cause long-term heart and lung diseases. If you thought mask-wearing is a think only in China, that's no longer true.

Why are wildfires becoming more costly, bigger, deadlier, and threatening?

Climate change.

You knew that was coming. If you are reading this and thinking, "Ugh, why does every problem lead to climate change?" accept the truth. The truth is that climate change is causing natural disasters in unnatural forms and causing merely imagined apocalyptic symptoms come true.

Just prior to the largest fire in state's history was the state's hottest temperature ever: 79.7 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The combination of heat and extreme drought creates a perfect condition for even a spark to expand to a large fire in a split second. California's average temperature is rising every year and the climate is becoming drier and drier. This effect of climate change cause wildfires to increase in size according to many fire experts and climate scientists. Complicated methods of science aside, the argument that climate change is making California's fires bigger seems to be true. The President does not seem to admit it and blame the poor governance, but President has stood opposite of many truths even before this.

Ancient people believed in God-given calamities. The Plagues of Egypt, also known as the ten biblical plagues, were infamous disasters inflicted upon Egypt as a demonstration of power of god and ultimate punishments to the sinful. Whenever they met with disasters, ancient people prayed or "do something" to calm down the anger of gods.

I do believe it god too, but I don't think my god had inflicted wildfires or hurricanes out of no where. I believe we inflicted these monstrous disasters on ourselves. I am grateful to be sitting here typing on my keyboard and not be evacuated from my home, lost of place to call home, or be dead. You should be too, and therefore "do something" to calm down climate change.

How can you help?

You can only do so many things for the environment and save ourselves from predicted disasters in the times coming. Do what you believe would save you and your children. You can also help the victims in California. Here's how.

[American Red Cross] It is currently managing 18 community evacuation centers to protect Californians who fled the areas affected by the fires. It also manages an online safety registry, which help others to find out that their loved ones are safe. You can make donations on their website or by calling 1-800_REDCROSS or text CAWILDFIRES to 90999.

[Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation] You can support firefighters and first responders by making donations. All donations to LAFD Foundation go toward equipment, supplies, and trainings. Help them save lives. Link to website.

[The Humane Society of Ventura County] Not only humans, but also animals are struggling in the wildfires of California. The human society is taking in lost domestic animals into their care shelters. Donate to help dogs, cats, birds, and farm animals.

[California Community Foundation's Wildfire Relief Fund] The organization has helped rebuild homes in the aftermaths of numerous wildfires in California and also provide financial and mental health assistance to victims. The website has information and donation pools on wildfires, Puerto Rico hurricane, Hurricane Michael, and Hurricane Florence as well.

[Enloe Medical Center] It is one of the largest hospitals near the Camp Fire and providing evacuation centers and treatments. Its Camp Fire Relief Fund can help Enloe caregivers provide continuous cares for the victims and families who lost their homes due to fire.