Climate change is a scientific reality

Congressman Doug LaMalfa (California 1st District) made a profoundly concerning and regrettable comment during a recent congressional hearing featuring Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg. LaMalfa equated the issue of climate change to the changing of the seasons, stating that the current change is called “autumn.” LaMalfa’s dismissive and flippant attitude toward one of our time’s most pressing global challenges is beyond reckless, especially for a U.S. Representative.

Climate change is a complex and scientifically well-documented phenomenon causing significant and lasting impacts on our environment, economy, and public health. Snidely comparing it to the natural progression of seasons shows

LaMalfa’s astounding lack of comprehension of the issue and a callous disregard for its actual and imminent threats.

Secretary Buttigieg was correct to call out and correct LaMalfa for such a misguided and trivializing remark. The California 1st District deserves leaders who take climate change seriously, acknowledge the scientific consensus behind it, and work to address its consequences. Climate change is not a matter of opinion or a simple seasonal transition — it is a reality backed by mountains of empirical evidence and endorsed by a vast majority of climate experts worldwide.

In California’s 1st District, where we confront growing difficulties posed by wildfires, droughts, and other climaterelated problems every day, we deserve a representative who champions solutions and policies aimed at safeguarding our environment and securing the welfare of our communities. Not someone who laughs at the issue, ridicules dedicated scientists, and disparages those working to solve the problem.