Hurricane Helene’s impact causes severe flooding in North Carolina mountains
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.
In short:
- The storm caused rivers to overflow, washing away homes, roads and bridges across the region.
- Climate change has intensified storms like Helene, bringing heavier rain and slower inland decay of hurricanes.
- Asheville, considered a climate-safe city, was overwhelmed by rain and mudslides, leaving thousands without power or clean water.
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.
Senator Whitehouse puts climate change on budget committee’s agenda
Vice presidential debate reveals contrasting views on U.S. climate, energy future
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.
In short:
- J.D. Vance dismissed scientific consensus on climate change, focusing on domestic energy production and questioning clean energy investments.
- Tim Walz emphasized the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions, highlighting the Biden administration’s clean energy initiatives.
- The debate showcased persistent political differences, with Democrats pushing for clean energy and Republicans advocating for increased oil and gas production.
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
Biden considers emergency session of Congress for disaster relief
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.
In short:
- Hurricane Helene caused severe damage, and the cost of recovery may reach $160 billion.
- FEMA’s disaster fund is nearly empty, and the agency may face funding shortages soon without new congressional action.
- Biden requested billions in additional disaster relief last year, but lawmakers have yet to approve the funds.
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 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
Record-breaking heat wave intensifies across the Southwest
A late-season heat wave is setting new records across the Southwest, with Phoenix hitting 117 degrees, its highest September temperature on record.
In short:
- Phoenix hit a September record of 117 degrees, with temperatures expected to remain 15 to 25 degrees above normal.
- Excessive heat warnings are in place across Arizona, Nevada and California, with highs extending into the 110-120 degree range in some desert areas.
- The heat is also fueling fire risks, with conditions intensifying blazes near Los Angeles.
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 exempts prisons from workplace heat protections despite risks to inmates
California prisons are excluded from new indoor heat regulations, raising concerns as extreme heat poses a growing risk to incarcerated workers.
In short:
- Many California prisons, built in hot areas without air conditioning, expose inmates to severe heat during work, risking illness and death.
- New state heat regulations exclude prisons due to cost concerns, though advocates urge immediate protections for inmates.
- Proposition 6, a November ballot measure, seeks to end forced prison labor and related punishments.
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.
Washington’s climate law faces opposition on the ballot
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.
In short:
- Washington’s cap-and-trade program funds clean energy and transit projects but faces a repeal initiative backed by a Republican hedge fund manager.
- Similar climate legislation in states like Minnesota and Michigan faces challenges, as elections may shift power to Republicans who oppose such efforts.
- Climate action is increasingly moving to state legislatures as national politics remain gridlocked on the issue.
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.
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.”