Greenpeace USA’s response to the devastating impacts of Hurricane Helene.
Greenpeace USA’s response to the devastating impacts of Hurricane Helene.
WASHINGTON, DC (October 2, 2024)–In response to the devastating impacts of Hurricane Helene, Rolf Skar, National Campaigns Director, said: “Hurricane Helene has tragically claimed the lives of at least 120 people, serving as a stark reminder of the escalating extreme weather fueled by the climate crisis, largely driven by big oil and gas. Across the U.S. and the globe, climate change is making dangerous extreme weather events more likely—storms are intensifying more rapidly and causing heavier rainfall, heatwaves are becoming more common and more severe, and drought and wildfire risk are increasing in the Western U.S. Record-breaking rains that used to occur once every century now are becoming more common.
“As communities face these devastating impacts, it’s vital to recognize that big oil must be held accountable for the costs associated with such disasters. Big oil has known for at least 40 years that their actions could lead to a climate crisis. The burden should not fall solely on vulnerable communities, grass roots organizers and government resources. The recent devastation by Helene in Swannanoa, North Carolina – a town situated hundreds of miles from the coast and up in the mountains – illustrates this alarming trend, underscoring the urgent need to hold big oil accountable.
“We must demand that big oil take responsibility for the damage they cause, rather than shifting that burden onto everyday people. Together, we can stand in solidarity, telling the stories of those affected, inspiring action, and demanding a different future. The time to address the impacts of big oil and hold the industry accountable is now.”
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Contact: Gig Singh, Greenpeace USA Campaign Communication Manager, [email protected], (631) 404-9977
Greenpeace USA is part of a global network of independent campaigning organizations that use peaceful protest and creative communication to expose global environmental problems and promote solutions that are essential to a green and peaceful future. Greenpeace USA is committed to transforming the country’s unjust social, environmental, and economic systems from the ground up to address the climate crisis, advance racial justice, and build an economy that puts people first. Learn more at www.greenpeace.org/usa.
