This post is a little different and longer than my others, because I'd like to take the perspective of someone else for once: my sister's. My sister has an autoimmune disease called Systemic Scleroderma, one in which your organs start to harden. It affects almost all aspects of the body, and for my sister (who is only 31, and looks seemingly healthy) it really affected her lungs. Her lungs became so bad that her lung breathing capacity was at 30% of what the average person her age should be at; she needed to wear an oxygen tank when she went out and she needed to take frequent breaks when walking even the slightest incline or hill. I remember when we visited Sydney, Australia, she had an uncontrolled coughing fit on the street, just because somebody was smoking a cigarette nearby.
Her condition became so bad that in 2019, she was put on the organ transplant list for a double lung transplant. I don't think I knew how severe the condition of her lungs was until she got the call to surgery - just 3 months after being put on the list. She received a pair of healthy lungs, and endured SO much in her recovery. I'm happy to say that three years later, her lungs are still healthy (because they aren't "genetically" hers, her condition doesn't affect the new pair of lungs she received). I envision a future where not only I have access to clean, particulate free air; I envision a future where those like my sister who are immunocompromised or with lung conditions do not have to fear going outside and breathing in. I believe it is a human right to have access to clean, healthy air. Fires have always occurred, but their effects are being exacerbated by our contributions to climate change (burning fossil fuels and wasting/over-consuming resources) that lead to global temperatures rising. I hope that in the future we use technology like 3D mapping and lidar and simulations to guide control burns so that forest fires no longer occur to the degree at which they currently do.
I am making the conscious effort to research government officials, candidates, and policymakers that have visions and goals that align with mine, those who want to take strong action on climate change, through controlled burns and mechanical fuel treatment, which could help us protect and properly take care of our forests. I also aim to educate others I know about the effects of our actions on man-made uncontrolled fires.
Hi Karli- firstly, thanks for sharing!
Your sister's story is incredibly poignant, highlighting the dire need for cleaner air and a safer environment for immunocompromised individuals. Your vision for a future where everyone has access to clean air is not just a desire but a fundamental human right.