Los Angeles’ Palisades and Eaton Fires have captured national attention as some of the most destructive wildfires in the County’s history, with additional blazes erupting across the region.
This tragedy highlights a devastating collision of climate conditions. Last year’s unseasonably wet winter spurred a vegetation bloom that has turned into an abundance of highly combustible kindling under this year's dry conditions. Adding to the fury, hurricane-force Santa Ana winds—nearing 100 miles per hour—propel the flames with terrifying speed.
Wildfires have long been part of California's natural climate cycle, but their severity, frequency, and unpredictability have escalated dramatically in recent years. Scientists have warned for decades about “weather whiplash”—extreme shifts between wet and dry conditions—but the speed at which these dangerous changes happen has far outpaced even the most urgent climate projections.
The devastation we are witnessing is the direct result of decades of reckless behavior by fossil fuel corporations. These companies have knowingly caused the climate crisis by prioritizing profit over the well-being of people and the planet. They’ve blocked climate action, funded disinformation campaigns, and opposed policies aimed at reducing emissions. They continue to extract and burn fossil fuels, driving the planet deeper into crisis.
The cost of inaction is no longer theoretical—it’s visible in the wreckage of homes, struggling communities, and the rising costs of living in increasingly dangerous areas. In California alone, nearly 250,000 properties have lost insurance coverage as companies flee high-risk areas. Homeowners lucky enough to secure insurance face exorbitant premiums and limited coverage.
The time to act is now. We can no longer afford to wait for the next disaster. We must hold fossil fuel companies accountable for the destruction they have caused. That’s why we support the California Climate Superfund Bill, designed to keep these corporations financially responsible for their role in driving climate change. The Superfund Bill would ensure that fossil fuel companies contribute to rebuilding communities devastated by climate disasters and fund resilience measures to protect future generations.
We must accelerate our transition from fossil fuels and embrace a future powered by clean energy. Investing in electrification, renewable energy, and sustainable infrastructure can protect our communities from future climate chaos and begin to reverse the damage done. The path forward is clear: we must break free from fossil fuels and build a more resilient, sustainable future.
Please stay safe and follow local guidance in or near the impacted areas. Here is a list of resources. If you want to donate, support organizations, individuals and the L.A. Fire Department.
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