(The voice of the Democrats)
A climate of change
From the Democrats of Hemet – San Jacinto
Climate change is causing problems all over the world. NASA reports that the planet’s average surface temperature has risen about 1.62 degrees; that the five warmest years on record have taken place since 2010; that the temperature of our oceans has warmed more than 0.4 degrees since 1969; that between Greenland and Antarctica glaciers have lost over 400 billion tons of ice since 1995 and that sea level has risen about 8 inches in the last century. (climate.nasa.gov)/evidence).
The animal kingdom has also felt the effects of climate change. The natural territories of species are warming, causing a decline in their populations. Breeding beaches of seashore species are being flooded. Predictions are that many species will become extinct in the near future. Popular Mechanics reports that climate change could seriously weaken our U.S. Military. Rising temperatures and increased rainfall resulting from climate change is helping spread tropical diseases. Every place on the globe is feeling the effects of climate change and the Hemet–San Jacinto valley is no exception.
In California we have seen a significant increase in both the number and intensity of wildfires. Fire season used to be limited to a few a months, but now, virtually the entire year is “fire season.” Yale Climate Connections reported, in November of 2018, that that season was California’s most costly and destructive fire season ever recorded, and that six of the ten most destructive wildfires have occurred in the last 3 years. 2019 is shaping up to be even more costly. Just last week, extreme Santa Ana conditions contributed to several fires in the local area. Warmer temperatures dry out soil and vegetation providing more fuel. Climate change in Southern California is shortening our rainy season. Climate change slows the jet stream causing more heat waves.
A news report of just a few days ago covered the rising cost of homeowner’s insurance due to the increased fire. Policies of homes in fire-prone areas are being denied or cancelled by insurers. When insurance is available, it is quickly skyrocketing in cost. Even if you do not live in a fire-prone area, your home owner’s insurance is going to rise as insurance companies have to pay out for ever-increasing claims.
Simply put, climate change is affecting all of us here in the valley. I have never understood single-issue voting, where one and only one issue determines your vote, but climate change is such a serious issue and the dangers of not addressing the issue will be so catastrophic, that I encourage you to consider voting in next year’s elections for only those who want to aggressively address climate change.
Dick Gale
President of the Democrats of Hemet – San Jacinto
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