Violet Affleck, the oldest daughter of Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner, recently shared a heated argument she had with her mom in a hotel room over the disastrous LA wildfires. The fiery clash took place in January while they were forced out of their luxurious home due to the raging fires in California. In a candid essay for Yale University’s Global Health Review, the 19-year-old freshman at Davenport College recounted the emotional confrontation with her famous mother.
The Argument Over Climate Change
Violet delved into the intense discussion she had with Jennifer Garner regarding climate change during their stay in the hotel. She expressed frustration over the behavior of the “wealthiest citizens” being a contributing factor to the climate crisis. Garner, on the other hand, was shocked by the magnitude of destruction in their neighborhood, leaving Violet surprised by her mother’s reaction. The teenager, a climate-literate member of generation Z, reflected on the inevitability of wildfires in Los Angeles and the need for a proactive response.
The Impact of the Wildfires
As the wildfires ravaged through California, burning over 66,000 acres, Violet witnessed the acute crisis unfold before her eyes. She highlighted the devastating effects of the fires, emphasizing the urgency of addressing climate change. Despite her younger brother’s skepticism about the link between the wildfires and global warming, Violet stressed the importance of understanding the climate crisis. She eloquently described climate change as existential and accelerating, driven by unsustainable consumption patterns among the wealthiest citizens.
The Call for Action
In her essay, Violet called for recognition of the methods and political commitments of COVID-conscious and disabled communities in addressing climate disasters. Drawing parallels between public health protocols and climate change response, she emphasized the need for proactive measures to mitigate the impact of environmental challenges. Prior to her enrollment at Yale, Violet made a passionate plea at a Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors meeting, advocating for mask mandates in hospitals to combat the spread of viruses. Her advocacy for public health measures showcased her commitment to raising awareness and taking action in the face of global challenges.
