Heat spells and threat of COVID-19
During these recent weeks of more than 100-degree temps, I feel so fortunate to have an indoor job and access to air conditioning. But I worry about the millions of people in our communitywho work outdoors or don’t have adequate shelter or air conditioning.
I just read in the CalCan report that extreme heat, worsened by climate change, has surpassed pesticide exposure as the major health concern for agricultural workers. Can you imagine what people working on farms go through in this punishing sun for 8-10 hours in order to feed the rest of us and support their families?
On top of that, climate change and air pollution are both caused by greenhouse gas emissions, and exacerbate asthma, COPD, allergies and lung cancer. These conditions are also known to make people who get COVID-19 be more vulnerable to getting seriously ill.
Effective legislation and good urban planning can slow global warming and reduce human suffering. Elections are just around the corner; please support candidates that advocate for effective solutions to protect our climate, air and health.
Andrea Farber De Zubiria, Fresno
https://www.fresnobee.com/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/article245453710.html
