Biden: Deadly California storms ’caused by climate change’
Christian Datoc
Video Embed
President Joe Biden delivered brief remarks after surveying storm damage in California on Thursday, declaring the destruction a clear sign of climate change.
California has suffered nine “atmospheric rivers” over the past three weeks, depositing over 32 trillion gallons of precipitation, leading to statewide flooding and landslides that have killed at least 21 people. Experts are calling it one of the state’s worst-ever natural disasters.
The president and Federal Emergency Management Administration Administrator Deanne Criswell spent the afternoon meeting with first responders after surveying storm damage with Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA) and other local officials.
CALIFORNIA’S STORM AMONG THE WORST DISASTERS EVER, STATE SAYS
“If anyone doubts climate change, then they must’ve been asleep the last couple years,” Biden opened his remarks. “Extreme weather caused by climate change means stronger and more frequent storms, more intense droughts, longer wildfire seasons, all of which threaten communities across California. So we have to invest in a stronger infrastructure to lessen the impact of these disasters because they become cumulative, in a sense.”
The president also outlined the role his administration, through FEMA and funding previously allocated under the bipartisan infrastructure law, will play to help California rebuild after the disaster.
“Together we can better prepare for the future disasters, reduce the damage they cause and the people’s lives and livelihoods that are affected,” he continued. “So to the people of California, I say it again: The country is here for you and with you. We are not leaving till things are built back and built back better than they were before. As you recover from the storm, we will be with you every step of the way.”
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
You can watch Biden’s remarks in full.
iFrame Object