Climate Change is Not A Hoax

Floor Speech

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Mr. ESPAILLAT. Mr. Speaker, I wear my mask in solidarity and support for the families, the children, the seniors being impacted by the Canadian wildfires. I rise today to call attention to the climate crisis, which we are all witnessing before our very own eyes.

Air pollution is spiking across the country from wildfires that have been raging in the Canadian provinces of Quebec and Nova Scotia.

To be clear, Mr. Speaker, this is just the start of the Canadian wildfire season, and it is evident that due to the human and societal impacts on climate, there is an increase in wildfire season, length, frequency, and burn area.

Mr. Speaker, climate change is not a hoax.

We are not only seeing the haze from these fires, we are also feeling it in our very own lungs. The environmental and public health impacts are very real, and we must do more to hold polluters accountable.

Thirty-seven percent of the total area of forest burned in the western U.S. and Canada since 1986 can be linked to emissions released by the world's 88 biggest fossil fuel producers and cement manufacturers.

Air pollution from wildfire smoke has become a significant health risk in the United States, and it is growing.

Mr. Speaker, climate change is not a hoax.

In my city of New York, we are being severely impacted, and we are taking extreme precautions, especially for children, older adults, and asthmatics.

Last night, the city's air quality index was 215, a score considered very unhealthy by the Environmental Protection Agency. This was deemed the second worst level of air pollution in the world.

The situation is so grave that Mayor Eric Adams forced schools to cancel all outdoor activities today.

Mr. Speaker, climate change is not a hoax.

Is this the future for our children? Let me remind you that millions of Americans die each year from air pollution-related health issues.

In 2016, around 4.2 million premature deaths were associated with fine particulate matter, according to the World Health Organization.

That is why I am insisting on passing my bill, the Green Climate Fund Authorization Act, which will authorize appropriations to the Green Climate Fund, ensuring that the U.S. is a leader in global solutions to combat climate change.

Again, Mr. Speaker, climate change is not a hoax.

Moreover, we know where the money goes. It matters. Join me in this fight in cosponsoring the Green Climate Fund Reauthorization Act.

Mr. Speaker, climate change is not a hoax.

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