Amy Dishion’s life changed forever when she received the news that her husband, Evan, had collapsed on a hike outside Phoenix, Arizona. The couple had moved from Salem, Oregon, to Phoenix for Evan’s medical residency at the Barrow Neurological Institute. Despite the intense summer heat, they planned to stay in Phoenix to provide stability for their 3-month-old daughter, Chloe.
Evan, a 32-year-old neurologist, had expressed his concerns about climate change and his desire for their daughter to have a healthy planet to live on. His sudden death on that fateful hike underscores the often-overlooked reality that the climate crisis is already taking a significant human toll. Two years after the tragedy, Amy now lives with her late husband’s relatives in Oregon, trying to rebuild her life.
She traveled to New York to share her story at an event hosted in Lower Manhattan, which highlighted the experiences of Americans whose lives have been significantly impacted by extreme weather events. Dr.
Widow’s powerful climate advocacy story
Delta Merner, lead scientist for the science hub for climate litigation at the Union of Concerned Scientists, emphasized the importance of science in uplifting people’s stories and experiences related to climate change. The event also featured other experts and personal stories from individuals like Richard Joyner, a farmer and reverend from North Carolina, and Melissa Whittaker, a restaurant owner from Vermont. Attribution science plays a critical role in quantifying how climate change increases the likelihood and severity of weather events. Dr.
Merner explained that this science can help explain how heatwaves are hotter and floods more intense, helping to quantify the impact of climate change on people’s experiences. Efforts to hold major fossil fuel companies accountable for their contributions to climate change continue, with some states like Vermont and New York making strides through legislative efforts. The event was considered a success in bringing people together to share their stories and raise awareness about the human toll of the climate crisis.
Amy Dishion remains hopeful and active within supportive communities, despite her personal tragedy. She wants people to hear her story and make sound decisions when enjoying nature and considering the heat. Her message emphasizes the importance of safety and the need for individuals to think about their well-being in the face of climate change.
Noah Nguyen is a multi-talented developer who brings a unique perspective to his craft. Initially a creative writing professor, he turned to Dev work for the ability to work remotely. He now lives in Seattle, spending time hiking and drinking craft beer with his fiancee.
