The impact of climate change is no longer a question of “if.”
The recent fires in Los Angeles, which have left devastation in their wake, serve as a stark reminder that the effects of climate change are no longer confined to distant places and a distant future. It is here, now, and it is affecting all of us.
In this issue of Verde, we investigate the rising cost of climate change and how our actions can impact nature, for better or for worse.
In “Los Angeles under fire,” news editor Niaz Alasti and staff writer Leela Kulkarni explore the impact of the Los Angeles wildfires and how their reach has extended beyond Los Angeles, touching Bay Area residents and the world.
The way we approach these disasters has also become an increasingly critical issue. All across California, cities have begun to evaluate their safety measures and inform their residents about evacuation protocols.
In our editorial, we write about how political polarization impacts disaster response and how unified action is crucial for rebuilding communities.
Features editor Chloe Huang and staff writer Darah Katz also investigate the Bay Area’s fire preparedness and the future of disaster management in “The burning issue.”
Although climate change is a grim topic, it is important to maintain hope and remember that we can still make a difference. Palo Alto High School sophomore Avroh Shah, for example, has taken matters into his own hands.
In “Case for the climate,” Perspectives editor Zachary Crystal and staff writer Tessa Berney profile his journey as one of the 18 minors suing the United States Environmental Protection Agency, reminding us that our actions can make an impact on the environment.
In a similar vein, statistician Jaron Leung and staff writer Tessa Berney explore the consequences of artificial intelligence usage on climate change in “AI impacts.”
Their article reminds us that while advancements in technology can be beneficial, they often have environmental footprints that we should be conscious of.
While the challenges ahead may seem daunting, the future is still ours to shape, and every efforts contributes to a greater impact. Our thoughts are with the residents of Los Angeles and all those affected by the fires.
On the cover
A toy house is encircled by flames in a photo taken by features editor Kensie Pao and stages by cover director Nathalia Arias. The title — “Are we ready?” — illustrates the precariousness of climate change and the far-reaching implications of the recent fires in Los Angeles. Disclaimer: no doll houses were harmed in the production of this magazine.
