Trump, Musk, and Zuckerberg Fan the Flames of Disinformation

Why climate change is the main cause of the LA fires and how public servants are helping

My Fellow Democracy Defenders,

The biggest threat to our sacred democracy is disinformation.

My heart is broken for all those affected by the Los Angeles fires. It is such a beautiful city filled with beautiful souls. My partner’s ex-partner lost their home and pets. We have been scrambling to provide them and their neighbors with aid. Our federal agencies are doing everything they can to support recovery efforts. We’re from the government and we’re here to help!

First, let us acknowledge the heroic work of public servants. Firefighters and first responders have put their lives on the line to save others. Mayor Bass and LAFD Chief Crowley are preparing and responding well, despite the attacks from racists and homophobes. Governor Newsom and the state government are mobilizing additional resources like the National Guard. President Biden and Vice President Harris are pledging federal funds to assist in rebuilding. We need to give government workers as much money as possible to ensure a safe and equitable recovery.

During an emergency, we need calm, unity, and truth. Sadly, MAGAts have been stoking the flames of their anger, division, and lies. Trump is blaming fish. Musk is blaming diversity. Zuckerberg is now letting disinformation loose on Facebook. These madmen will further contaminate our country with falsehoods. I am glad Newsom is pushing to reinstate a disinformation governance board. We need the world to understand that climate change is the main cause of the fires. Only then can we prevent future disasters like this.

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REMINDER: I am a government worker writing anonymously because I fear retribution. Your support will give me courage to speak truth to power. If I lose my civil service career because of Trump’s fascism and DOGE, any income from Substack will help me support my partner, our children, and our adorable cats.

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Climate change significantly contributes to the increased frequency, intensity, and duration of wildfires in Los Angeles and throughout California. While wildfires are a natural part of many ecosystems, climate change is exacerbating the conditions that make them more destructive. Here are the reasons why climate change is the main culprit for the fires:

1. Increased Temperatures

Climate change is leading to higher average temperatures in California, including Los Angeles. Warmer temperatures dry out vegetation more quickly, making it more flammable. This creates a longer "fire season," where conditions are ripe for wildfires. More frequent and intense heatwaves, driven by climate change, further stress the environment, making it easier for fires to ignite and spread.

2. Drought and Reduced Precipitation

Climate change is contributing to more frequent and severe droughts in California. Drought conditions reduce the moisture content in plants, trees, and soil, making them more susceptible to catching fire. Warmer winters lead to less snowpack in the Sierra Nevada mountains, which is a critical water source for California. Reduced snowpack means less water is available during the dry season, exacerbating drought conditions.

3. Changes in Wind Patterns

The Santa Ana Winds are strong, dry winds that blow from the desert toward the coast, particularly in the fall. Climate change may be altering wind patterns, making Santa Ana winds more frequent or intense. These winds can rapidly spread fires, making them much harder to contain. Warmer air can hold more energy, which can lead to stronger winds that drive fires faster and over longer distances.

4. Increased Vegetation Growth and Fuel Load

Previous wet years (which may also be influenced by climate change) lead to increased vegetation growth. When this vegetation dries out during subsequent droughts, it becomes fuel for wildfires. Climate change can also promote the growth of invasive plant species that are more flammable than native vegetation, increasing the overall fuel load.

5. Longer Fire Seasons

Historically, the fire season in California might have been confined to the late summer and fall. However, due to climate change, the fire season is now longer, sometimes starting as early as spring and extending well into the winter months.

6. Bark Beetle Infestations

Warmer temperatures and drought conditions have led to widespread infestations of bark beetles, which kill trees by boring into their bark. Dead trees are highly flammable, providing more fuel for wildfires.

7. Feedback Loops

Wildfires release large amounts of carbon dioxide (CO₂) and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, contributing to global warming. This creates a feedback loop where climate change leads to more fires, which in turn accelerate climate change.

8. Overdevelopment

Los Angeles and other cities expand into wild areas, the risk of wildfires increases. This is because human activity can ignite fires in areas where homes and natural vegetation meet. Climate change worsens the conditions that make these fires more likely to start and spread.

While human activities sometimes ignite wildfires, climate change is creating the conditions that make these fires more frequent, intense, and difficult to control. The combination of higher temperatures, prolonged droughts, stronger winds, and increased vegetation dryness is a recipe for more devastating wildfires in Los Angeles and across California. Addressing climate change is essential to mitigating the risk of future wildfires.