Hurricane Helene has
wreaked havoc across the Southeastern U.S., leaving
behind a trail of death, destruction, and
heartbreak. As of the time of this writing,
128 lives have been lost, millions have been left
without power, and many are struggling to access basic
necessities like food and clean water. Communities like
Western North Carolina are cut off from help; road
closures combined with spotty cell phone and internet
service are trapping people in, and keeping help
out.
The
damage from this storm is unimaginable, and the trauma
will linger long after the physical rebuilding has
begun.
This
disaster is not just a natural occurrence; it’s part
of a pattern of extreme weather events brought on by
climate change. While the U.S. government deploys
emergency aid to the area, the irony is that it is
complicit in the harm done. By continuing to
subsidize, invest in, and support fossil fuels, U.S.
leaders and policymakers are putting us all in grave
danger of more disasters like this one.
We
demand better. Let Hurricane Helene be the end of our
government's strange alliance with that which is hurting
us. Let the victims of this tragedy heal knowing that
U.S. politicians and lawmakers are doing everything they
can to stop climate change. Sign the petition and
demand the United States government immediately stop
investing in fossil fuels, and start investing in a
safe, beautiful
future.
