Biden Acknowledges Climate Change Amid California Wildfires

The wildfires in Los Angeles, which have resulted in 10 fatalities and extensive property damage, underscore the urgent threat of climate change, according to President Joe Biden and his advisers. Biden characterized the fires as the most destructive in California's history and emphasized the need for federal support to address the crisis. John Podesta, a senior adviser to Biden, expressed hope that Donald Trump, set to return to the presidency, would take climate science more seriously than during his first term, despite Trump's prior skepticism and criticism of California's management policies. Biden reiterated that climate change is a reality and requires global adaptation and action. Meanwhile, climate experts like Varun Sivaram advocate for a pragmatic approach, recognizing that the U.S. is likely to miss climate targets, which will exacerbate wildfire intensity and other climate impacts. The situation highlights the ongoing debate over climate policy as Trump prepares to take office again.