THE sun shines through clouds over wildfire wreckage in Lahaina, Hawaii on August 10, 2023. A dangerous mix of conditions appear to have combined to make the wildfires blazing a path of destruction in Hawaii particularly damaging, including flash drought, high winds, low humidity and dry vegetation.
Scientists overwhelmingly agree that heat-trapping gases released from the combustion of fossil fuels are pushing up global temperatures, upending weather patterns and endangering animal species. Many scientific organizations have made public statements on the issue. There has been growing conflict within the Republican Party between those who insist climate change is a progressive-generated hoax and those—mostly younger generations—who say the issue cannot be ignored. GOP lawmakers, in general, refuse to consider measures like mandated lowering of carbon emissions. However, some consider that an untenable position long-term.
“I always second-guess myself, ‘Do I really need this?’” Harangozo said. “Stuff will eventually end up in the landfill. So, we’re really mindful with the products we buy, and whether or not they can be recycled or they’re made from materials that are natural, like wood or what-not.”