Some of the places in my heart are on fire, both literally and figuratively.
I have watched, online, as a friend grieved while Hawaii burned. I have been, and am, waiting while another friend waits for the evacuation order to be made because the fire in the Okanagan region in Canada is moving closer to her home. I watch as the entire city of Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, where I took my firstborn child for medical care as an infant, is evacuated to cities at least fifteen hours drive further south. The town where he was born, Hay River, has already been evacuated. And today I learned that people I love in California are threatened by an incoming hurricane.
My safe and secure home is a long way from all these disasters, and yet the strings attached to my heart are tied to all the people I care about, and so I can only anxiously wait from afar. I cannot effect any change; I can only hope for the best and trust that all those I love will be safe. They may lose some property, but I urge and hope and will that they save their lives.
At the same time, I am angry. I am angry that we have postponed action on climate change for so long. I am disappointed in our political leaders who have allowed major industries to delay, prevaricate, and underperform in meeting emissions targets. I am mad at fossil fuel businesses that have continued to over-reward shareholders and CEOs while holding back finances from alternative energy sources.
Perhaps most of all, I am exasperated by the television, print, and online media that have allowed the topic of global warming to be relegated to the bottom of the news feed. When I read the news today in a variety of sources both nationally and internationally, politics is first and foremost. I see lots about Trudeau, Trump, Biden, Sunak and a dozen other miscellaneous politicos, but comparatively little about the climate crisis.
I want to shake some people, stare into their eyes, and yell. But, I can’t. I can only watch and wait as thousands of people lose their homes, their property, their essential documents, their pets, and sometimes their family and friends.
The emergency service workers are doing everything they can and more. Our media and politicians need to do the same.
Snowbird of Paradise 
Well said
Thank you, Sheree.
My pleasure
Sending thoughts and prayers to those affected by the fires. Stay safe and strong.
Thanks. You too, Sports Savvy.
Yes, well said.
Thanks, Lorna. I know we are right.
Unfortunately, politicians and the decision makers do not care! It is all about self interest and getting elected! We need a system that allows those who may care get elected! 😢
Or, a system that kicks out those that don’t keep their election promises.
I’m with you 100%
It is frustrating, isn’t it.
I am right with you, Anne. I have friends in both Hawaii and Canada. I feel fairly sure that right now, all are okay, safe. But things can change so quickly. My eldest son and family are in Southern CA and under threat of the hurricane. I must wait and hold hope that flooding is not disastrous where they live. A hurricane? Seriously? And there are climate change deniers all over the place. I dare not unleash my full feelings at them but I surely would like to. It’s a rough time we are living in and I often feel helpless and hopeless. Do take care, my friend.
Oh, I think you should unleash all those feelings, Mary Beth! After all, it is our only planet.
Grandson Noah picked this year to become a forest fire fighter, most recently in NWT. He’s on leave this weekend and I’ll have dinner with him tomorrow night. I’m sure he has stories. Also have a friend who has had to evacuate her home near Kelowna. So, I absolutely agree with you Anne. It’s so frustrating. Living in a province run by a climate change denier and listening to Mr. Pollievre spout lies about the relationship between the carbon tax and inflation doesn’t help a bit. Thoughts go out to all those affected by the insane weather/climate events happening now.
Heartfelt appreciation for Noah’s good work in helping with the fire fight. It is much appreciated. I am watching events and will now have Noah in my thoughts, too.
So sorry and sad this is all happening!! No doubt about climate change!!
An area of Canada the size of New York State is on fire 33 million acres. Lots of houses and other buildings. Put it on the front page!