Angela Benander angela.benander@sierraclub.org
[WASHINGTON, DC] -- Over the weekend, Donald Trump visited communities in California that were severely damaged by wildfire. Trump’s visit comes among reports of 80 dead, more than 1,000 missing, and thousands of homes and businesses destroyed. Trump has repeatedly denied that climate change exists, yet claimed he wants “great climate.” Scientific consensus has repeatedly stated that climate change is responsible for the increased risk of these unnaturally large and dangerous fires, with firefighters reporting serious changes in fire behavior in recent years.
In response, Sierra Club Executive Director Michael Brune released the following statement:
"Our thoughts are with the people of California who have and continue to suffer unimaginable loss from this unprecedented wave of wildfires. We are grateful for the firefighters, first responders and disaster relief professionals on the ground helping those who have been affected and displaced.
“Our public officials cannot stop at visits and expressions of condolences -- let alone nonsensical remarks and lies -- immediate action must be taken to protect our communities. As recovery efforts continue, our leaders must prioritize smart, science-based prevention efforts that acknowledge the role climate change plays in intensifying wildfires.
“We call on Donald Trump to face the facts. Take the steps that are necessary to put people, our communities, and their future first. The Sierra Club remains committed to helping the people affected by the California wildfires and to taking science-based action to protect people and communities.”
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About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3 million members and supporters. In addition to helping people from all backgrounds explore nature and our outdoor heritage, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.