Written By: Owen Weems, Editor in Chief, and Allurabella Chandler, Staff Writer
DISASTER: The climate crisis we have on our hands is clear, yet the response by politicians has been inadequate.
Extreme weather patterns are seemingly here to stay. If these patterns continue as they have over the past couple years, then the time to reverse this irreparable damage to this planet may be slim. The recent destruction in the South is yet another sign of what is to come and what we were too blind to see for decades. But what is really happening in the South? Has the government done all it can to help repair the damages of climate change? Is there really anything we can do to reverse this trend?
A wave of hurricanes, tornadoes, and other natural disasters have caused havoc across many states in the South. Anyone in the line of danger was told to evacuate, leaving their homes and possessions behind, escaping to somewhere where their lives wouldn’t be in jeopardy. And just as predicted, the destruction has been devastating. This is evident in looking at Hurricane Milton, the second of two hurricanes to wreak havoc in states such as Florida and North Carolina. The storm has left many homes utterly destroyed, and is responsible for the deaths of upwards of twenty people. The damage to infrastructure has been immense, with some houses in Florida being ripped off of their foundations, or even being filled with sand from the heavy winds. The Category 4 Hurricanes that have appeared in only a matter of weeks have been truly destructive and have rewritten life for tens of thousands of people, who now lack a home and basic living necessities.
Although the hurricanes have left many parts of the country upended, the worst comes during the aftermath of it all. Many are stranded and without power all across the South. These devastating storms therefore have a second, more devastating effect on the communities. Without food and safe drinking water many people are stranded and unable to find the help that they need. That is why the government is doing everything they can to help out the people most affected by the storms and floods.
Recently, FEMA and President Biden have approved an additional 2 billion dollars to be added to the budget for efforts to rehabilitate the communities devastated by the disaster, as well as to contribute to these aid missions. The efforts by our current president show a clear concern for the wellbeing of those affected by the recent disasters. With a concerted effort by the government through sending supplies, as well as efforts of the average citizen through even small donations, there can be a future where we rebuild. If we prioritize minimizing the loss of life, these communities may be able to rebuild.
Not everyone is as receptive to the efforts being put in by the current government. Many Republicans have been pushing to block further FEMA aid from getting approved. This has even included Ron Desantis, the Governor of Florida which has been greatly affected by this crisis. While their reasons are unknown, some theories are that they don’t want to give this “win” to the Democratic party. It could even be because they don’t want to increase government spending, which comes back to the average citizen through taxes. Whatever the reason, they should move past their qualms and work to save the lives of those in danger.
The effects of the wind have been devastating, and it is unfair to completely attribute this extreme weather to global warming. However it is also unfair to disregard the increasing rate of high level storms that have appeared more in the past decades. With increasing water temperatures and the fluctuating weather patterns that come with climate change, hurricanes will only continue to become more common. Almost as an annual tradition, we come to expect them more as a mainstay of life than of an anomaly. This most recent disaster, with two in the matter of a couple days, however, should open our eyes to the effects of global warming and climate change.
To stop this trend towards an unlivable planet, it is important to practice sustainable living whenever possible. While an individual effort is important to show your solidarity to the movement, the biggest change will come by placing checks on corporations, the by far largest contributors to this global concern. In an unchecked economy, they will disregard the effects of their actions to continue their practices, and this is simply not sustainable. We must regulate and be conscious of the effects that major polluters are having if we hope to avoid incidents such as what we have seen in Florida.