Violet Affleck, the eldest daughter of Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner, recently opened up about a heated discussion she had with her mother during a stay in a hotel room amidst the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, as detailed in an essay for Yale University. At 19, and now a freshman at Davenport College, she reflects on the emotional conflict surrounding climate change, particularly in light of the catastrophic wildfires.
In her essay titled “Chronic Illness: Covid Organizing as a Model Climate Reaction in Los Angeles,” Violet notes that her family was forced to evacuate their home in January while the wildfires raged through California. The hotel stay led to intense conversations with Garner about the broader implications of climate change.
Violet highlighted her dismay at how the “richest citizens” contributed significantly to the ongoing climate crisis. Garner expressed her shock at the extent of the destruction in their neighborhood, which she had called home. Violet found herself taken aback by her mother’s reaction, stating, “As a lifelong Angelino and a member of Generation Z climate, my questions weren’t answered. It’s not a matter of if the Palisades will burn, but rather when.”
During their time in the hotel, Violet noticed how conversations among other adults centered around the logistics of rebuilding and the costs involved, rather than the underlying crisis itself. “The situation was dire—an unfortunate explosion caused by strong winds and low rainfall,” she added.
Violet also discussed her younger brother Samuel, who seems skeptical about the connection between wildfires and climate change. She wrote, “What does global warming have to do with wind speed? Hopefully, most of us understand the climate crisis better than my younger brother.” Elsewhere, she classified climate change as “existential and accelerated,” driven by unsustainable consumption patterns among wealthy individuals in wealthier nations, which have subjected both the U.S. and other countries to extreme temperatures, wildfires, and failing crops.
In closing her essay, Violet called for greater acknowledgment of the public health protocols relevant to climate disasters and the political commitments necessary for addressing these issues, especially in marginalized communities. In July 2024, she had also made headlines for advocating for mask mandates at a Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors meeting, sharing her own experience of recovering from a post-viral condition.
