Sierra Club is reporting that millions of people across the country have been affected by extreme weather this summer, leading to canceled outdoor activities and health risks. It said the Pacific Northwest is experiencing widespread wildfire smoke, while large parts of the country have faced unbreathable air and intense heat. The organization noted that Denver, Colorado, recently saw a record number of 90-plus degree days.
The Sierra Club is urging the CEOs of major news outlets to invest in and prioritize climate reporting. It cited a Media Matters for America finding that only 4% of national TV news segments mentioned climate change during a record-breaking heat dome last year. A report from Covering Climate Now also indicated that U.S. outlets cover the climate crisis less frequently than those in other countries. Grist reported that global media coverage of climate change has dropped 38% in the last five years.
The organization emphasized that mainstream news must consistently cover the connection between heat waves, wildfires, storms and human-caused climate change. It said a lack of awareness slows the transition to clean energy and leads to financial impacts for families through increased insurance, food, energy and healthcare costs. The Sierra Club also stated that Donald Trump has attempted to censor climate science, including cutting funding for agencies like NOAA and FEMA, and is supported by fossil fuel corporations.