Congressman Joe Morelle tweets about climate crisis impacts

Congressman Joe Morelle tweeted, “The #ClimateCrisis impacts almost every aspect of our daily lives, and without significant action, extreme weather like the wildfire smoke and increased flooding our region experienced earlier this year will only continue to worsen.”

Here’s what we know:

The climate crisis is an urgent global issue that demands immediate attention. It has become increasingly evident that the impacts of climate change are not limited to a few isolated incidents. It affects almost every aspect of our daily lives. From the air we breathe to the water we drink, the climate crisis poses a threat that cannot be ignored. 

It is a pressing issue that has dire consequences for our daily lives. The impacts of the climate crisis— with a particular focus on the worsening effects of wildfire smoke and increased flooding. By examining these examples, it becomes clear that urgent action is necessary to mitigate the devastating consequences of climate change.

The climate crisis has led to an increase in the frequency and intensity of wildfires, resulting in hazardous smoke that poses a severe threat to public health. In recent years, regions across the globe have witnessed the devastating effects of wildfire smoke, including our own. Smoke not only affects the air quality but also has detrimental effects on respiratory health, leading to an increase in respiratory illnesses such as asthma and bronchitis. Moreover, the economic impact of wildfires is significant, with billions of dollars spent on firefighting efforts and property damage. Without significant action to address the climate crisis— the occurrence of wildfire smoke will only continue to worsen — endangering the health and well-being of communities worldwide.

Climate change has also contributed to extreme weather events, including heavy rainfall and flooding. Earlier this year, our region experienced unprecedented flooding, causing widespread damage to infrastructure, homes, and livelihoods. The consequences of increased flooding are far-reaching, affecting not only the physical environment but also the economy and social fabric of communities. Flooding disrupts transportation systems, damages crops, and leads to the displacement of individuals and communities. The climate crisis exacerbates these events, as rising global temperatures contribute to more intense rainfall and a higher likelihood of flooding. If we fail to take significant action, the frequency and severity of flooding will only continue to worsen, posing a significant threat to our daily lives.

The recent smoke from the wildfires in Canada blowing south and causing dangerous air quality in New York State is a stark reminder of the immediate impact of climate change. The smoke has blanketed the region, leading to hazardous air quality and health risks for millions of people. Schools have been forced to close, and individuals have been advised to stay indoors to avoid exposure. The economic toll of these wildfires has also been immense.

“Similar to what we saw a short time ago, the air quality is deteriorating very quickly in our state as a result of the Canadian wildfires,” Hochul said in a press conference. “That’s the unfortunate news that we’re experiencing. I would certainly say we did not deal with this in the years past. If you want to know the effects of climate change, you’re going to feel it tomorrow in real time. This is not something that we’re talking about future generations dealing with,” Hochul said. “We are truly the first generation to feel the real effects of climate change.”

The increased flooding experienced in our region earlier this year resulted in significant damage to infrastructure and homes. The agricultural sector suffered substantial losses, with crops destroyed and livestock displaced. The social and psychological impact on affected individuals cannot be underestimated, as many lost their homes and livelihoods.

Urgent action is needed to address this crisis, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions, transitioning to renewable energy sources, and implementing sustainable practices. Failure to act will only exacerbate these issues — leading to more severe impacts on our health, economy, and overall well-being. It is our responsibility to take significant action now to ensure a sustainable and livable future for generations to come.

Staff Writer