Central Coast residents understand the magnitude of global climate change. We’ve seen drought conditions persist for years. We’ve witnessed more frequent and intense wildfires threatening our communities. We’ve experienced "atmospheric rivers" of rain resulting in deadly debris flows. More than most communities, Santa Barbara knows what oil pollution looks like and understands how emissions from burning fossil fuels are over-heating our planet.
Santa Barbara is far from alone in this experience. In 2023, communities nationwide saw their lives impacted by unparalleled weather and climate extremes such as wildfires and drifting toxic smoke, droughts, flooding, storms, and record precipitation. Scientists also confirmed last year was the hottest year on record.
The destruction and mounting costs from these events are tragic enough. What’s worse? It’s happening because of the ongoing actions of big polluters, many of which are countries the U.S. conducts trade with. They’re pumping Earth’s atmosphere full of carbon pollution, leading to a warmer world and more extreme weather.