My emotions were in turmoil as I witnessed the destruction caused by the Los Angeles wildfires. The Eaton fire, which ravaged the Altadena community near Pasadena, has left me heartbroken and infuriated. This area was my beloved home for 14 years, and it pains me to see over 5,000 structures damaged or destroyed.
Two years ago, due to California’s increasingly dry, hot, and fiery climate, my family relocated away from our neighborhood. I was concerned that fires would destroy our community. However, the recent events have exceeded my expectations as large parts of the city, including Altadena, where I lived, have been ravaged by flames. The images this week resemble a scene from Octavia Butler’s eerily accurate climate novel “Parable of the Sower.”
Repeatedly, climate change has shown us the lesson that unforeseen events can occur earlier than anticipated. Historically, forecasts for the consequences of climate change have erred on the side of positivity. Nonetheless, at present, the rate of warming is increasing at a higher pace than predicted by scientists.
It is important to acknowledge that we cannot rely on external help, especially in areas like Los Angeles which are susceptible to severe disasters such as wildfires that have been evident for a long time. Consequently, many of us are forced to make a difficult decision – whether to stay or to depart. In my case, I opted to depart.
Dubbed L.A.’s “best kept secret,” Altadena is a charming village tucked away in the foothills, shielded from the bustle of city traffic, and known for its tight-knit community. In 2008, my family and I moved here so I could pursue my post-doctorate degree in astrophysics. It was like arriving in paradise: our backyard provided endless guacamole thanks to a massive avocado tree, colorful parrots soared overhead, and we could even lounge on Caltech’s pristine lawns in nearby Pasadena with our children, even during the winter months.
My concerns about climate change first arose during my time as a graduate student in 2006. As the Earth’s temperature continued to rise, so did my worries. By 2012, I was unable to ignore the issue and decided to shift my focus from gravitational waves to climate science. This led me to accept a position at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. In addition, I joined my neighbors in keeping chickens and bees and also began volunteering with local climate organizations. To spread awareness, I started giving talks on climate change while biking around town.
As time passed, the climate crisis continued to escalate. I felt a strong desire to shout from high places for individuals to recognize global warming as the pressing danger that it is. In response, I composed pieces and shared posts using blunt wording and joined forces with others to establish organizations for a climate application and a climate-oriented media company.
In September 2020, I encountered heat exhaustion for the first time amidst a severe heat wave. The following day, a mega-fire known as the Bobcat fire broke out just a few miles from our home in the Altadena foothills. Being situated near mountains and wild regions increases the risk of wildfires in Los Angeles neighborhoods. We made plans to evacuate, although the current fires were mainly confined to undeveloped areas. However, we were surrounded by smoke for weeks, causing my lungs to ache and my fingers to constantly tingle.
Following the Bobcat fire, our sense of safety in Los Angeles was greatly diminished. Worries for my family’s well-being and uncertainty about potential evacuation plans weighed heavily on my mind. In 2022, my wife received an offer for a job in Durham, N.C., prompting our relocation.
As I closely follow the unfolding of this week’s tragic events from a distance, I rely on various sources such as local news reports and messages and footage from friends. It is heartbreaking to discover that some of these friends have lost their homes. Despite the chaos, I am trying to piece together the details and assess the damage – our dog’s pet hospital, the church where my boys performed string recitals, places I often passed by on my bike like the quirky Bunny Museum, as well as familiar spots like the hardware store and coffee shop where I would meet with friends and fellow climate activists – all have been destroyed.
On Thursday, my ex-neighbor messaged me to inform me that our small cul-de-sac had caught fire. Sadly, his house, ours, and all of our neighbors’ homes, with the exception of one, were destroyed. The beloved home where we raised our children was no longer standing, and at last, tears streamed down my face.
Safety can no longer be guaranteed anywhere. A while back, Hurricane Helene struck the western side of my recently adopted state and Asheville, a location once hailed as a sanctuary from unpredictable weather patterns. The Pacific Northwest was also thought to offer security until the unprecedented heat dome incident in 2021. Even Hawaii, previously deemed a haven, experienced fatal fires on Maui in 2023.
For those who have lost everything in climate disasters, the apocalypse is a harsh reality. And as global temperatures continue to rise, these disasters will only become more frequent and severe. The resulting costs will be staggering and will greatly impact both the insurance industry and the housing market.
The severity of the situation is directly tied to our tolerance for the fossil fuel industry’s control. For fifty years, these companies have been aware of their role in causing irreversible damage to our climate. Yet, their leaders and representatives have chosen to hinder progress toward cleaner energy through disinformation and obstruction. During a Congressional hearing in 2021, multiple CEOs refused to cease these efforts or take accountability for misleading the public. Using their wealth as leverage, they exert influence over our political leaders.
As climate chaos worsens, we must establish connections with individuals across the political spectrum who are awakening to the truth despite the false claims made by certain Republican leaders.
Until our rage reaches its peak, no changes will occur. However, once the reality of our loss and the culprits responsible for it are acknowledged, a ferocious anger surges forth, akin to the relentless Santa Ana winds.
