Hurricane Helene’s devastating rain triggered flooding, landslides and massive destruction across western North Carolina, leaving at least 35 people dead and many more missing.
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Why this matters:
Intensifying storms fueled by warmer oceans are impacting not just coastal cities but also inland areas, threatening communities previously thought to be less vulnerable to climate risks. As extreme weather events increase, regions like the Appalachian Mountains may see more severe flooding and landslides.
In the aftermath of widespread devastation wrought by Hurricane Helene, the vice-presidential debate saw a sharp divide over climate policy, with Democrat Tim Walz endorsing clean energy expansion while Republican J.D. Vance expressed skepticism about human-caused climate change.
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Key quote:
“...drill, baby, drill.”
— J.D. Vance, U.S. Senator
Why this matters:
What stood out was the way this exchange underscored the nation's ideological split: One side embraces science and policy solutions to tackle the climate crisis, while the other frames the clean energy transition as a threat to economic growth and energy independence. The real question? How long can we afford to let politics stall action on an issue that’s already shaping our weather, our health, our economy and our future.
Learn more: Mokshda Kaul on making the clean energy transition work for all
President Joe Biden said this week that he may recall Congress from recess to pass new disaster aid following Hurricane Helene, which exhausted federal disaster funds.
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Key quote:
“This is a historic storm; it’s devastating.”
— President Joe Biden
Why this matters:
Hurricanes are becoming more destructive, straining federal disaster resources. Without immediate congressional funding, recovery efforts may stall, worsening the long-term impacts on affected communities like Asheville, North Carolina.
Related: FEMA faces potential funding shortfall amid increasing natural disasters
Hurricane Helene has destroyed large portions of Asheville, North Carolina, once considered a climate refuge, as unprecedented floods from the storm caused widespread damage and left the city cut off.
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Key quote:
“This storm has the fingerprints of climate change all over it.”
— Kathie Dello, North Carolina state climatologist
Why this matters:
Hurricane Helene shows how climate change can push extreme weather into unexpected regions, challenging the safety of once-protected areas. The disaster in Asheville raises difficult questions about the notion of so-called climate refuge cities, and how and where to rebuild in an increasingly unstable climate.
Read more: Some US cities are promoting themselves as climate refuges despite concerns
A late-season heat wave is setting new records across the Southwest, with Phoenix hitting 117 degrees, its highest September temperature on record.
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Why this matters:
As human-caused climate change accelerates, heat waves are becoming more frequent and severe, increasing health risks and fire dangers across the western U.S. This prolonged heat further strains water resources and energy grids.
California prisons are excluded from new indoor heat regulations, raising concerns as extreme heat poses a growing risk to incarcerated workers.
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Key quote:
“It’s all about restoring human decency and monetizing rehabilitation over exploitation.”
— Lawrence Cox, advocacy and organizing associate, Legal Services for Prisoners with Children
Why this matters:
Inmates face growing dangers from heat as climate change worsens. Without proper workplace protections, health risks and deaths will likely rise in already overheated prisons. Forced labor under unsafe conditions raises legal and ethical concerns.
Voters in Washington state will decide in November whether to keep or repeal the state’s Climate Commitment Act, a cap-and-trade program that funds green energy projects.
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Key quote:
“This isn’t just a red and blue issue. These are people’s lives.”
— Courtney Bourgoin, deputy director for the Midwest region, Evergreen Action
Why this matters:
Climate policy battles at the state level will determine whether and where existing efforts to reduce emissions and promote clean energy can survive. A repeal in Washington could stall crucial climate initiatives for years and impact other states considering similar policies.
“Coalitions become this interesting way to create buy-in.”
A plastics treaty for the climate and health must address overproduction of plastics and head off the petrochemical and plastic industry’s planned expansion.
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.
“Women, in all of their diversity, must be at the center of climate and energy decision-making.”
The discourse on climate resilience must include affordable housing policy solutions.
“Pennsylvania steel communities have lived with dangerous air quality for generations. That needs to end.”