Hurricane Helene devastates Asheville, a once climate-resilient city
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.
In short:
- Asheville, promoted as a safe climate haven, was heavily damaged by catastrophic flooding from Hurricane Helene.
- The storm, fueled by record heat, has killed more than 100 people across five states, with nearly a third of deaths in the Asheville area.
- Recovery in Asheville and surrounding regions may take years, raising questions about how to rebuild amid worsening climate threats.
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
Senator Whitehouse puts climate change on budget committee’s agenda
Britain shuts down its last coal power plant, ending an era
Britain is closing its final coal-fired power station, marking the end of over 200 years of reliance on coal to power its economy.
In short:
- The Ratcliffe-on-Soar power station will stop burning coal after 57 years, signaling Britain’s transition to cleaner energy.
- The country is the first in the G-7 to eliminate coal power, now depending on natural gas, nuclear and renewable energy sources.
- Former workers express pride and nostalgia but acknowledge the importance of moving away from coal for the environment.
Key quote:
“This will be the end. This has been a personal journey for me, as well as a national journey.”
— Peter O'Grady, plant manager
Why this matters:
Britain’s coal phase-out shows how rapidly energy transitions can occur, with other major economies set to follow. The shift reflects broader efforts to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change on a global scale.
Learn more about the health effects of coal energy: Want healthier babies? Shut down coal plants
Flooding in Nepal leaves over 190 dead
More than 190 people have died in Nepal following severe flooding and landslides triggered by heavy rains, with rescue and recovery operations accelerating as weather improves.
In short:
- Heavy rains caused flooding and landslides across Nepal, killing 193 people and injuring 96.
- Kathmandu was severely affected, with roads blocked by landslides and 34 deaths reported.
- Temporary shelters and financial aid were announced for victims, and schools will remain closed for three days.
Why this matters:
Natural disasters like this flooding underscore the vulnerability of mountainous and low-lying regions to extreme weather. With rising climate volatility, the risks of such catastrophes may increase, straining local resources and communities.
Related: Climate change poses a growing threat to Kathmandu's air quality
Trump targets Biden and Harris over hurricane response in Georgia visit
Former President Donald Trump plans to tour hurricane-stricken Georgia, criticizing the Biden administration's response to the disaster.
In short:
- Trump accused President Biden and Vice President Harris of inaction during Hurricane Helene while campaigning in Pennsylvania.
- Trump will receive a briefing in Georgia and distribute relief supplies, while Biden plans to visit impacted areas later in the week.
- Both Biden and Harris expressed condolences and outlined federal disaster support, but Trump framed their efforts as insufficient.
Key quote:
“I know that everyone here sends their thoughts and prayers for the folks who have been so devastated by that hurricane and the ensuing events, in Florida, in Georgia, the Carolinas and other impacted states.”
— Vice President Kamala Harris
Why this matters:
Reality check: The Biden administration has approved disaster declarations designed to help storm survivors get the resources necessary to begin recovery efforts.
Democrats point to Project 2025, which powerful Trump supporters and funders endorse, as evidence that a second Trump administration would gut FEMA and funding for federal flood insurance. During his time as president, Trump rolled back more than 100 rules and policies meant to protect the environment and address climate change and climate-warming emissions.
Read more: The climate impact of a potential second Trump term
Leonard Leo’s group criticizes efforts to educate judges on climate issues
A rightwing think tank tied to Leonard Leo is accusing a nonprofit’s climate change seminars for judges of unfairly influencing the judiciary to favor climate lawsuits.
In short:
- The Environmental Law Institute’s (ELI) Climate Judiciary Project offers neutral education to judges on climate science for use in related litigation.
- The American Energy Institute (AEI), a pro-fossil fuel think tank, alleges that the program unfairly supports plaintiffs in climate cases, releasing a report claiming bias.
- AEI’s report was edited and promoted by CRC Advisors, a PR firm chaired by Leonard Leo, known for shaping the conservative US judiciary.
Key quote:
"ELI’s seminars are giving judges the ABCs of climate change, which is a complicated subject that they ought to know about."
— Kert Davies, director of special investigations at the Center for Climate Integrity
Why this matters:
Climate-related litigation could hold fossil fuel companies accountable for their role in the climate crisis. Efforts to educate judges about climate science may be key to ensuring fair and informed legal outcomes in these cases.
Related: After Supreme Court ruling, judges take the lead on environmental regulation
Political debate over U.S. Steel sale ignores public health and environmental risks
A potential $15 billion sale of U.S. Steel to Nippon Steel has sparked political controversy, leaving pollution and public health concerns in the Mon Valley largely overlooked.
In short:
- U.S. Steel’s Pennsylvania facilities have long contributed to severe air pollution affecting local communities.
- The sale has turned into a political debate, focusing on swing state voters and economic concerns rather than addressing environmental or health issues.
- Nippon Steel’s promised investments might extend coal-based steelmaking, raising concerns about continued pollution.
Key quote:
“People are being treated like pawns, and no one’s really listening to voices of the community for what they need.”
— Matt Mehalik, the executive director at Breathe Project
Why this matters:
Steelmaking plants are major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions and local air pollution. Continuing coal-based production could lock in pollution for decades, impacting both the climate and the health of nearby communities.
Related EHN coverage:
- Nippon Steel shareholders demand environmental accountability in light of pending U.S. Steel acquisition
- As Biden prepares to block the sale of U.S. Steel to Nippon Steel, pollution concerns persist in Pennsylvania
- Amidst a controversial international sale, U.S. Steel falls behind in cleaner steelmaking
Nickel exploration ramps up in Michigan and Minnesota amid rising EV battery demand
As the U.S. seeks more domestic sources of electric vehicle battery metals, geologists are exploring Michigan's Upper Peninsula and Minnesota for nickel deposits.
In short:
- Talon Metals is leading a large-scale search for nickel in Michigan and Minnesota to support electric vehicle battery production, funded partly by a Department of Defense grant.
- Local tribes express concern about potential environmental impacts, as Talon’s exploration overlaps with ancestral Indigenous lands and sensitive ecosystems.
- Talon says it aims to collaborate with tribes on environmental protections and job creation, though agreements are still being negotiated.
Key quote:
“Exploration is opening Pandora’s box. Once it’s open, it gets harder and harder to close the lid.”
— John Coleman, environmental scientist with Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission
Why this matters:
As demand for electric vehicle batteries grows, finding domestic nickel sources becomes increasingly urgent for energy security. However, this exploration may affect Indigenous lands and ecosystems, raising concerns about long-term environmental impacts and human rights.
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.”