Washington—Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) today released the following statement on marches around the world related to climate change:

            “Marches are happening around the world today to demand action on what I believe is the most significant emergency we face: the climate crisis.

            “I stand with the marchers, especially the young people demanding changes to address this emergency and to protect the world they will inherit.

            “We're already feeling the effects in California. Wildfires are burning hotter and faster than ever. Last year's Camp Fire was the deadliest in state history, killing 85 and burning 14,000 homes. And they're only going to get worse.

            “And while California has seen more rain in the last year or two, we're just one dry season away from a crushing drought that has the potential to devastate communities, the environment and our state's economy.

            “Scientists around the world warn that temperature rise of 2 degrees Celsius will result in irreversible consequences, and parts of the globe are already there. Polar ice is melting faster and faster as air and ocean temperatures increase, creating sea level rise that threatens millions of people in low-lying areas.

            “We're standing on the brink of disaster, and we need to act. Unfortunately, the Senate isn’t acting and the White House is taking us in the wrong direction.

            “President Trump withdrew the United States from the Paris Agreement and is working to undermine key environmental standards related to carbon emissions. This can't be allowed to happen.

            “We need to do everything we can to ensure the United States is leading the fight against climate change, not holding the world back. California, thankfully, is leading the way, showing other states that reaching climate goals and boosting local economies can exist hand-in-hand. But the Congress and the White House need to get serious to significantly decrease carbon emissions and develop clean, greener sources of energy.

            “Until we have someone in the White House who recognizes the crisis that climate change is, I'll work closely with California to ensure it continues to lead by example. This is a challenge that we ignore at our own peril.”