During a tour to assess the damage caused by Hurricane Ida in neighborhoods of New York and New Jersey on Tuesday, U.S. President Joe Biden warned about the "existential" threat posed by climate change, stating that recent events underscore the importance of passing his infrastructure repair plan.
While speaking from the Queens neighborhood in New York, alongside several politicians, Biden asserted that "the nation and the world are in danger" due to climate change, adding, "This is not an exaggeration. This is the truth."
Biden, who was accompanied by Democratic politicians from New York, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and New York Governor Kathy Hochul, noted that "the evidence is clear. Climate change poses an existential threat to our lives and our economy."
He seized the opportunity to rally support for his proposed $1 trillion infrastructure package, stating that it would involve significant investments to repair roads, pipelines, and bridges. The plan was approved in the Senate in early August and still needs to pass through the House of Representatives.
When discussing climate change, President Biden said, "People are beginning to realize that this is much bigger than anyone was willing to believe... I think we have all seen that." He described those skeptical of the phenomenon, who accuse the administration of "interfering with free enterprise," as individuals who "do not live there (in the affected areas) and do not understand."
At least 60 people have died in New York and New Jersey due to heavy rains and flooding that occurred last Wednesday and Thursday, bringing back memories of Hurricane Sandy, which disrupted power service across most of Manhattan and caused the subway to shut down.
