10/16/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 10/17/2024 12:15
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This blog contains contributions from Carolyn Caywood of the LWV Climate Interest Group.
Climate disasters are a devastating reality of contemporary life.
Their impact cannot be understated; as then-defense secretary Chuck Hagel stated, as early as 2014, climate events are connected to "food and water shortages, pandemic disease, disputes over refugees and resources, and destruction by natural disasters in regions across the globe."
For the survivors of catastrophic climate events, every aspect of daily life is thrown into chaos. These disasters can bring unimaginable loss and disruption, from the loss of housing and forced relocation to struggles to obtain necessary food, water, and fuel.
When we're coping with the aftermath of a climate disaster, elections are often - justifiably - the last thing on our mind. We're focused on basic survival, not civic participation. At the same time, we have important perspectives that deserve to be heard as our nation selects its leaders - leaders whose choices will impact our community's recovery and future climate protections.
Every person deserves to have their voice heard. No one should lose that opportunity because they're the victims of a climate disaster.
That's one reason why organizations like the League fight for the extension of election-related deadlines so people impacted by such weather events can get on their feet after disasters before worrying about voting. Yet extending deadlines isn't our only concern. We also need to empower those who experience climate disasters with reliable election information, which can change rapidly in the face of major events.
We put together this guide on what you can do in the wake of a catastrophe, hoping it would ease your voting journey.
For those not experiencing disaster but who want to help, scroll to the final section.
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The climate crisis continues to devastatingly and inequitably impact the health and well-being of people and our planet.
As effective climate action requires political commitment and coordinated laws and policies, the League advocates for bold and just executive and legislative actions to help ensure a stable climate for future generations.
In November 2022, the League sent delegates in person and virtually to observe the COP27 Climate Change Conference in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt. Experts highlighted ways in which climate change disproportionately affects women and girls, who are insufficiently represented in climate change response decision-making.
Carbon emissions are causing widespread and potentially irreversible damage to the environment - and also have a significant impact on the economy.
While some people rationalize our failure to decrease emissions by keeping that the actions needed to do so would hurt the economy, the costs of doing nothing are even higher and are increasing with every day of inaction.
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