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Current fires and smoke in the Pacific Northwest are unnatural disasters. Climate change, caused by the burning carbon fuels, dries out and kills our forests causing worse fires that last longer. The NASA satellite photo shows current smoke from wildfires reaching as far as the East Coast.

Hurricane Harvey is an unnatural disaster. The connection between climate change and Harvey’s impact is irrefutable. July 2017 was the hottest month ever measured on earth, raising the temperature of the Gulf of Mexico, and making Harvey wetter and stronger. Rising sea level contributed to Harvey’s intense rainfall. Over 6 million people have been affected. More people are in need of shelter and services. We don’t yet know the extent of toxic spills into the air and water, and public health is at risk.

A part of supporting impacted people means getting serious about why fires, storms and other weather extremes continue to happen with increasing intensity.

Unless we take steps to keep fossil fuels in the ground and plan for a changing world, more people will lose their homes or their lives. It is imperative that our elected city, county, state and federal officials stand up for our climate and commit to long-term climate action. It’s the only way to build a world where families can live free from the fear of climate chaos.

NANCY GERTH

Sandpoint