WASHINGTON — The recent wildfires in the Los Angeles area, which have resulted in ten fatalities and extensive property destruction amounting to billions of dollars, highlight an escalating risk associated with climate change. This is a pressing issue that President-elect Donald Trump will need to address more seriously than he did during his initial term, as emphasized by John Podesta, an adviser to President Joe Biden.
Podesta pointed out that one of the notable images from Trump’s presidency was the former president distributing paper towels to hurricane-affected individuals in Puerto Rico. This moment faced significant backlash, especially after Trump downplayed the death toll from Hurricane Maria, which nearly reached 3,000. Podesta expressed hope that Trump might have learned from the public’s negative response to such actions, underscoring the need to recognize and address climate science, facts, and threats more seriously.
The ongoing California wildfires serve as a reminder that weather-related challenges fueled by climate change are worsening. Podesta voiced anticipation that in a potential second term, Trump would indeed acknowledge these issues more attentively than before. Nevertheless, Trump’s current stance has been less than empathetic as he criticized California’s Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, for his forest management strategies while misrepresenting other factors contributing to water shortages.
The former president and his transition team are considering reversing numerous climate mitigation strategies established by the Biden administration, including stricter pollution controls for vehicles and power plants. Podesta urged that when it comes to bolstering resilience against climate impacts, Trump should heed scientific advice and the insights of specialists.
Podesta stated that the challenge of climate resilience transcends political affiliation, affecting both red and blue states across the United States. He referenced Hurricane Helene’s impact on North Carolina, noting that areas not typically associated with hurricane damage faced devastation.
Trump’s administration, according to Podesta, would benefit from seeking expertise from organizations like NASA and NOAA to better prepare for the rising risks posed by extreme weather. This conversation coincided with the Biden administration releasing a new report on national adaptation strategies related to climate change.
The report highlighted how climate change is increasing both the intensity and frequency of extreme weather events, leading to tragic consequences and unforeseen realities across the nation. Instances like the Phoenix region enduring 113 consecutive days of extreme heat and flooding in Iowa and Minnesota, which forced evacuations and destroyed infrastructure, were noted. The report also addressed the disastrous impacts of hurricanes and wildfires in various states, highlighting the urgency of collective action.
In light of addressing the looming threats of climate change, the document stressed the need for a comprehensive and coordinated response from all levels of government, including federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial leadership. Zaidi, another adviser to Biden, pointed out that America is not shielded from the climate adversities that have historically impacted developing nations and island territories.
He clarified that the U.S.’s advanced economic status does not exempt it from climate risks, stating, “No place is impassable to this risk.” He called for action from all sectors to address the significant challenges ahead.
As Trump intends to dismantle many of Biden’s climate approaches, both Podesta and Zaidi expressed confidence that the major climate initiatives spearheaded by the Biden administration will endure. The Inflation Reduction Act, passed in 2022 with bipartisan support, allocates about $270 billion towards clean energy initiatives, with projects found even in Republican-led districts.
Podesta remarked that public sentiment strongly favors the expansion of clean energy, underscoring a trend where even Republican governors are enthusiastic about developments in energy production and sustainable jobs. He emphasized that abandoning these initiatives would not only represent poor policy but would also be detrimental politically.
