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In a thought-provoking essay published in Yale’s Global Health Review, Violet Affleck, the daughter of Hollywood stars Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner, opens up about her experiences during the devastating wildfires that swept through their Pacific Palisades neighborhood earlier this year.
The 19-year-old student reflects on the emotional turmoil faced by her family as they navigated the chaos of natural disasters and the pressing issue of climate change.
Wildfires and family discussions
Violet recounts a particular moment spent in a hotel room with her mother, where they found themselves in a heated debate about the causes of the wildfires.
While her mother expressed shock at the destruction, Violet, a self-identified climate-literate member of Generation Z, was less surprised. She articulated her belief that the wildfires were not merely a stroke of bad luck but rather an inevitable consequence of the ongoing climate crisis.
This generational divide highlights the differing perspectives on climate change and its impacts, especially among those who have grown up witnessing its effects firsthand.
Connecting climate change to public health
In her essay, Violet draws parallels between the air quality issues caused by the wildfires and the COVID-19 pandemic.
She argues that just as society has had to adapt to the health crisis, it must also confront the realities of climate change. The necessity of wearing masks due to poor air quality serves as a stark reminder that climate change is not a distant threat but a current reality that affects everyone, regardless of their socio-economic status.
Violet emphasizes that climate change will soon become impossible for even the most insulated individuals to ignore, urging a collective response to this urgent issue.
Lessons from her upbringing
Violet’s reflections are not just about the environment; they also touch on her upbringing and the values instilled in her by her parents.
Jennifer Garner has been vocal about raising her children with humility and awareness of the world beyond their privileged lives in Los Angeles. Violet echoes this sentiment, expressing a desire for her generation to engage with the pressing issues of climate change and public health. She calls for a shift in focus from individual actions to collective interventions that can lead to meaningful change.
As she concludes her essay, Violet Affleck emphasizes the importance of recognizing every small victory in the fight against climate change, much like the victories celebrated in public health. Her words serve as a rallying cry for her peers to take action and engage with the complexities of the world around them. With her unique perspective as a young adult navigating the challenges of climate change and co-parenting, Violet is not just a celebrity offspring but a voice for her generation.
