US consider declaring climate emergency as wildfires tear through California - BBC News

US President Joe Biden is said to be considering whether to declare a climate emergency as wildfires tear across California.

Around 6,000 people have already been evacuated from their homes as firefighters admit high temperatures are hampering their efforts.

A state of emergency has already been declared around Yosemite National Park where ancient woodland and wildlife could fall victim to the fires.

#US #Wildfires #BBCNews

[artistsanomalous]

Damn. If only someone had told us about this 40 years ago, we could have done something about it.

[domjanzsoo]

They will be "considering" it for another 5 years.

[sarahclayton]

Really feel sorry for firefighters globally tackling these wildfires in full kit and scorching temperatures 🙏

[montopeloto]

What absurd policies have there been from the US and UK. Half a century has passed since the scientific community has noticed it. But it was more important, always being involved in a series of disastrous wars

[vahabnezhad]

Only if they spent a fraction of their military R&D budget into new firefighting technologies, the world would have been a better place. Mad respect for those brave firefighters. Going to work knowing it might be your last day takes incredible courage. I hope they all return to their families safely.

[sidali]

Kudos to the firefighters 🚒 working like hell

[asmaben]

How long will authorities continue ''considering'' an option ? 3 to 4 years ? When things should have been handled years ago ? Let's think it over and do nothing...as usual.

[nilsp]

Good reporting overall. One suggestion: I would love the media (i.e. the BBC) to focus more on potential solutions, rather than only the problem. What would it mean to declare a climate emergency? What steps could be taken? Are there ways the firefighters could be prepared if these fires get more common? Are there means in the way forests are handled to reduce the damage? Instead, flames are shown for the rest of the news story and part of the story is "there is nothing to be done except reacting to it".

[richardmartyn]

pray for all those men out there fighting the fire

[kalnas]

I was in Yosemite National park last month and the damage and devastation from previous fires was immense. Just endless miles of dead forests as far as the eye can see. Very sad, very unfortunate.

[BsERoss]

It's incredible how we're all still arguing about whether or not there's a climate emergency, as the world burns..

[thoraero]

That would be a lot more of CO2 emission this year. This is a vicious cycle where CO2 brings out even more CO2.

[finnwheetley]

If you're at least 30 or over you've watched this all happening in your own town. Don't think its someone elses job to stop it. You have to care and make others care as well. The government has done plenty to show that without profitability theres no reason for change.

[carolking]

My heart aches for you from New Zealand. We are having climate issues too. Floods. But nothing like what you are going through. God Bless you all.

[gaiagreen]

Why such hurry? Keep considering and waiting a little longer, after all it's only wildfires, the temperature, CO2, draughts etc, so no need for premature decisions! You can wait a few decades longer until the whole planet is burning and then reconsider again! After all, we wouldn't want to openly support those nerdy scientists and make all the deniers angry!
🙄🙄🙄

[little-bandit-music]

US offers more words and sentences to fight climate change

[nothanks]

Regardless whether you believe climate change or not; it won't hurt to look after our planet. Just get on board keeping it a livable place.

[siddharthsharma]

We humans have taken things for granted never took action against the natures sign 😶😶

[danalorrainedodds]

Why don’t you report what is going on in the Netherlands with all the reduction of of cattle production, nitrogen and food for their farms??? These 3 letter organizations have to go down. What do you think they’re trying to do? Reduce the food production and make you eat crickets and bugs!!!

[Synathidy]

"Considering whether to declare a climate emergency"

The time for consideration of that was like.... 70 years ago. Now we're in the "reap the consequences" phase. And with global CO2 emissions hitting a record this year, let's just say the worst is yet to come. And oh is it coming. Sooner than we know. None of us will be able to comprehend or imagine how bad it will be. Whatever you're thinking... gonna be way worse.