Climate change is a global phenomenon

Wildfire occurrences will only become more frequent as long as humans keep emitting greenhouse gases at an unprecedented rate. While it is understandable that there are natural forces at work to help cause disasters such as these, the steep slope of temperature rising is mainly caused by anthropogenic factors, with carbon emissions being the bulk reason.

The 2013 fifth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) included a conclusion that average Northern Hemisphere temperatures during the period from 1983 to 2012 were very likely higher than during any other 30-year period in at least the past 1400 years. We must realize that this is just not limited to California. It is a global phenomenon. There was the Tubbs Fire near Calistoga, the Mati fire in Greece, fires in Portugal and more.

We must adapt to more sustainable way of life by reducing carbon emissions while transitioning to alternative energy. We have reached the point where increasing wildfires and sea level rise requires urgent response. It is now necessary and critical to impose a carbon fee on polluters to force a reduction on emissions and turn to energy sources other than fossil fuels.

Benjamin Ueng

Millbrae