How can operating rooms be greener?
Operating rooms have not focused on environmental impacts. But a growing movement among surgical teams is trying to change that.
Senator Whitehouse puts climate change on budget committee’s agenda
Hurricane Helene claims hundreds of lives across six states
Hurricane Helene has caused at least 221 deaths from catastrophic flooding, wind and storm surge, making it the deadliest U.S. hurricane since Katrina.
In short:
- Helene’s landfall as a Category 4 storm in Florida caused widespread devastation across the southeast U.S.
- The mountainous regions of western North Carolina saw the highest death toll due to severe flooding after 20 to 30 inches of rain fell.
- The death toll is expected to rise as many individuals remain unaccounted for across six states.
Why this matters:
As climate change drives more intense hurricanes, communities face increasing risks of catastrophic damage from storm surges, flooding and extreme winds. Stronger, slower-moving storms mean greater threats to lives and property, emphasizing the need for better preparedness and resilience.
North Carolina ignored climate warnings, worsening hurricane destruction
North Carolina's decision to roll back climate policies left it vulnerable to Hurricane Helene's devastating impacts, raising concerns over future climate preparedness.
Lucy Dean Stockton and Freddy Brewster report for The Lever.
In short:
- North Carolina once led the South in renewable energy and climate adaptation but has backtracked due to Republican and corporate resistance since the 2010s.
- Hurricane Helene, a Category 4 storm, caused historic flooding and destruction across the state, exacerbated by warmer waters linked to climate change.
- Current efforts to weaken climate regulations risk more severe damage from future climate-driven disasters in the state.
Key quote:
"The Republican approach to climate change has been much like an ostrich with its head in the sand."
— Dan Crawford, director of governmental relations, North Carolina League of Conservation Voters
Why this matters:
Neglecting climate change preparations, as seen in North Carolina, heightens the risk of deadly storms, worsening both human and environmental losses. Stronger, proactive policies are critical to mitigate future impacts and protect vulnerable communities.
Many inland homes lack flood insurance as storm devastation grows
Despite Hurricane Helene causing catastrophic flooding, most homes in the hardest-hit inland counties lacked flood insurance, leaving residents facing years of financial hardship.
Kevin Crowe, Shannon Osaka, and Molly Hennessy-Fiske report for The Washington Post.
In short:
- Only 0.8% of homes in the hardest-hit inland counties had flood insurance, compared to 21% in coastal areas.
- FEMA's aid is insufficient to fully rebuild homes, forcing many survivors to rely on temporary shelter and other short-term assistance.
- Outdated flood maps and high costs discourage many from purchasing flood insurance, increasing vulnerability in future disasters.
Key quote:
"Flood risk is under appreciated across the nation — even in flood prone areas."
— Jeff Jackson, interim senior executive, National Flood Insurance Program
Why this matters:
As climate change increases the frequency and intensity of storms, more areas previously considered low risk are experiencing devastating floods. Without better flood insurance policies, families may continue to face financial ruin after such disasters.
Related: Hurricane Helene exposes Southeast's flood insurance gap
Farmers across Africa adopt agroecology to replace industrial agriculture
As small-scale farmers across Africa reject industrial agriculture and multinational control, many are turning to agroecology to create sustainable, diverse crops without chemicals or expensive fertilizers.
In short:
- Ethiopian farmer Asmelash Dagne teaches water conservation and organic practices to help farms thrive without chemicals.
- In South Africa, Themba Chauke promotes community gardens using traditional intercropping techniques, empowering locals to grow their own food.
- Slow Food International’s Edie Mukiibi advocates for agroecology over industrial farming, arguing it ensures food security and independence from corporate control.
Key quote:
"It is so important not to lose the argument because then we hand our future to the corporations."
— Edie Mukiibi, president of Slow Food International
Why this matters:
Agroecology offers a sustainable alternative to industrial farming, protecting local food systems from corporate monopolies while helping farmers adapt to climate change and economic pressures. This approach also encourages biodiversity and healthier, self-sufficient communities.
Related EHN coverage:
New climate law brings economic benefits but little political credit
The Inflation Reduction Act is creating jobs and investment, yet its supporters are not seeing much political gain, particularly in key races like Ohio's Senate contest.
In short:
- The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) has supported multiple clean energy projects, including a new $3.5 billion battery plant in Ohio.
- Local communities benefiting from these projects remain largely unaware of the IRA's role, diminishing the political credit for supporting lawmakers.
- Some factors complicating the narrative include existing plans for the projects and economic issues unrelated to clean energy.
Key quote:
“The results are very clear. Just the plain old numbers and projects have been utterly transformative.”
— Sam Ricketts, co-founder of S2 Strategies
Why this matters:
The disconnect between the economic gains from the IRA and its political reception highlights challenges in communicating climate policy successes, particularly in regions dependent on traditional energy jobs.
Related coverage:
Degrowth gains traction in response to environmental concerns
The economic concept of degrowth, which challenges the traditional pursuit of endless growth, is gaining popularity as younger generations face economic stagnation and environmental damage.
In short:
- Degrowth argues against growth-driven capitalism, advocating for meeting basic needs through reduced production and consumption.
- The idea, popularized by thinkers like Kohei Saito, has gained attention as people question the environmental cost of overconsumption, especially in wealthy nations.
- Critics argue that degrowth could limit human freedom and ignore the potential of human innovation to solve resource challenges.
Key quote:
Degrowth “focuses on what is necessary to fulfill everyone’s basic needs.”
— Kohei Saito, associate professor of philosophy, University of Tokyo
Why this matters:
Degrowth represents a significant shift in thinking about economics and sustainability, especially as the climate crisis worsens. It challenges the assumption that growth is always beneficial, raising questions about how we balance human needs with environmental limits.
Related: Degrowth movement challenges traditional views on economic growth
LISTEN: Mokshda Kaul on making the clean energy transition work for all
“Coalitions become this interesting way to create buy-in.”
Op-ed: Is plastic the biggest climate threat?
A plastics treaty for the climate and health must address overproduction of plastics and head off the petrochemical and plastic industry’s planned expansion.
Residents say Pennsylvania has failed communities after state studies linked fracking to child cancer
Last year Pennsylvania Department of Health studies showed increased risk of childhood cancer, asthma and low birth weights for people living near fracking. Advocates say not enough has been done since.
The fossil fuel industry is disproportionately harming low-income and minority women: Report
“Women, in all of their diversity, must be at the center of climate and energy decision-making.”
Op-ed: People need shelter from climate change — their health hangs in the balance
The discourse on climate resilience must include affordable housing policy solutions.
As Biden prepares to block the sale of U.S. Steel to Nippon Steel, pollution concerns persist in Pennsylvania
“Pennsylvania steel communities have lived with dangerous air quality for generations. That needs to end.”