To the editor: As we break records for climate-fueled climate catastrophes and their financial consequences, the oil industry continues to evade being clearly singled out as the cause. (“Who’s to Blame for California’s Budget Woes? Try Mother Nature,” Jan. 10 column)
Considering this is the existential threat of our lifetime, we must describe the fundamental oil-related connection that is obscured by words like “Mother Nature.”
If we ever want to fully address climate chaos and the resulting biological, financial and resource impacts (not to mention widespread plastic pollution), we must clearly identify the source. It's the oil industry.
Merrill Berge, Camarillo
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To the editor: A recent California Department of Public Health analysis of the 2022 heat wave, which lasted 10 consecutive days in August and September and broke heat records in 1,500 locations, indicated a “5% increase in deaths, 395 more deaths than would be expected.”
In this year of budget constraints, all programs must be cut. However, it is disappointing that Governor Gavin Newsom's January budget proposal cuts a whopping $40.1 million from the essentially important Extreme Heat and Community Resiliency program.
Lives and livelihoods are at stake.
Enrique Huerta, Downey
The writer is legislative director of Climate Resolve.
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To the editor: Mother Nature never intended for nearly 40 million people to live in California. The state suffers from massive overdevelopment and lack of planning vision by leaders at all levels.
We expect endless growth and development for profit, even as we deplete natural resources. Residents must travel long distances in inhumane traffic to work because housing prices near their jobs are unaffordable.
We suffer from air pollution and are under the constant threat of water shortages along with more frequent and ferocious floods and fires.
The fact that people are leaving the state is testament to the hugely imbalanced ecosystem that affects affordability and quality of life.
Mary Kay Gordon, Santa Monica
