Lynne Stevens
While Robbinsville was mercifully denied the tragedy of our Western North Carolina neighbors, serious concerns lie ahead.
There are economic realities the politicians and parts of the country who question the science of climate change must reconcile. FEMA is out of regular funding as of Aug. 7 – and that triggers “Immediate Needs Funding Guidance,” which transitions to life-saving and critical needs of people. Many other FEMA programs are put on hold until Congress can appropriate more funds.
As part of the Biden/Harris Infrastructure Bill – and funds partly re-directed from COVID – a revolving loan fund was created for climate-impacted areas to mitigate drainage systems, roads, bridges buildings, dams, etc. As the loans are re-paid, the money goes back to address additional mitigation projects creating a self perpetuating source of funding. (fema.gov).
Making it harder for storms and other disasters to economically impact communities together with a forward looking plan to continue to fund hardening infrastructure is the best defense we have now.
The effects of climate change has been considered a national security issue by our military for years. Joe Bryan is the Pentagons’ Chief Sustainability Officer and he said, ”The nations that are most resilient and best able to manage the effects of climate change will secure an advantage.”
He also said that the investments made in the 2023 Biden/Harris budget for hardening equipment and facilities are investments necessary for successful missions. (defence.gov)
Conservative media typically characterizes the Biden/Harris administration on climate as not trustworthy. Not recognized is how dangerous and misguided the fossil-fuel support of the former president will be to all of us. Despite all evidence to the contrary – even by our military – Trump defiantly supports expanding oil and gas, getting rid of Biden/Harris regulations regarding electrification of power and transportation – while ignoring the pollution and record breaking storms which will follow.
According to pewresearch.org, Republican lawmakers rank climate change 20th among 20 categories surveyed. Research shows Republicans tend to prioritize the economic costs of carbon neutrality over the costs and intensification of deadly climate events. Younger Republicans are more likely to support a greener economy than older lawmakers – as they see future effects on their young families.
Exceedingly concerning to all who followed the storm coverage during Helene is the desire of Project2025 to dismantle NOAA and as Rick Thomas – an Alaskan climatologist – said, ”The intent is clearly to cripple public weather forecasting.”
Why? Republicans know NOAA studies and accumulates data on human-caused climate change that Republicans and their TV channels ignore or scuttle as fake news. In an effort to deprive the public of NOAA data on the true nature of climate change, Republicans can promote their anti-climate change agenda and half the country will sadly believe it.
This is a fascinating look at climate myths and facts spelled out by dedicated scientists. Whatever your concerns and doubts, you will find it here: skepticalscience.com/argument.php.
Republican climate deniers typically vote against climate solutions.
Knowledge is power.
Lynne Stevens writes a bi-weekly column for The Graham Star. She can be reached via email, geminga@mailfence.com.