Massive storm Helene poses catastrophic risks across the Southeast
Hurricane Helene has already left Florida's coast battered with flooding and power outages, but the worst is yet to come with catastrophic storm surge and historic flooding predicted.
Jason Samenow, Matthew Cappucci, Dan Stillman and Ian Livingston report for The Washington Post.
In short:
- The storm surge in Florida’s Big Bend could reach 15 to 20 feet, threatening to engulf entire communities.
- North Carolina is bracing for historic flooding, with some regions expecting up to 15 inches of rain.
- Major cities like Tallahassee and Atlanta face destructive winds, flooding, and the possibility of tornadoes.
Key quote:
“Helene has the potential to become a generational storm and the threat it poses is significant to life and property.”
— National Weather Service in Tallahassee
Why this matters:
Warming oceans are turbocharging these systems, fueling their strength and making them more unpredictable. Add to that the public health risks from contaminated water and the toxic mold that will could fester in the flooded wreckage, and Helene's toll could stretch far beyond the immediate days of destruction. Read more: Robbie Parks on why hurricanes are getting deadlier.
Senator Whitehouse puts climate change on budget committee’s agenda
Southern California faces a growing wildfire threat but remains unprepared
Southern California continues to experience devastating wildfires, but residents remain surprisingly unprepared despite living in one of the nation's most disaster-prone regions.
In short:
- Wildfires have recently burned almost 200 square miles, forcing evacuations and destroying homes across Southern California.
- Surveys show that a majority of Californians are not prepared for natural disasters, even though many recognize the risks.
- The region's mild climate may lead to a false sense of security, with residents often forgetting the dangers between fire seasons.
Key quote:
“Los Angeles County scores 100 out of 100, making it the riskiest locale in the nation.”
— ClaimGuide report
Why this matters:
Wildfires are becoming more frequent and destructive, yet public preparedness lags behind. This ongoing lack of preparation leaves the region vulnerable not only to fires but also to secondary disasters like mudslides, which can follow in burned areas during the rainy season.
Related EHN coverage:
Chicago’s Latino neighborhoods fight for more parks to combat climate change
In Chicago’s Latino-majority neighborhoods like Brighton Park, residents are demanding more green space to combat air pollution, extreme heat and a lack of safe, outdoor community areas.
Aydali Campa reports for Borderless Magazine, Cicero Independiente and Inside Climate News.
In short:
- Brighton Park residents like Carmen Barragan are advocating for improved parks, with successes like the renovation of Kelly Park and the creation of the Chicago Park District headquarters.
- A study found that majority-Latino neighborhoods in Chicago have significantly less access to green space and parks than other areas, exacerbating health and climate risks.
- Advocates are pushing the city to continue addressing the lack of green space, essential for reducing heat and improving air quality in these communities.
Key quote:
“We’ve always had to fight [for these improvements], so it is frustrating, but at the same time, it is very gratifying to see these spaces open.”
— Carmen Barragan, Brighton Park resident and organizer.
Why this matters:
Parks can literally cool neighborhoods down, soak up floodwaters and clean the air, providing vital relief from pollution. In places like Brighton Park, residents are pushing for the city to work towards healthier, more resilient neighborhoods. Read more: We are undercounting heat-related deaths in the US.
Fossil fuel lobbyists helped push anti-protest laws nationwide
Fossil fuel companies and lawmakers collaborated across multiple states to pass laws imposing harsher penalties for peaceful protests, aiming to deter climate activists.
In short:
- Emails reveal fossil fuel lobbyists influenced laws in states like Utah, West Virginia and Ohio, criminalizing civil disobedience near energy infrastructure.
- Many of these laws were shaped following the 2016 Dakota Access pipeline protests, with penalties up to 10 years in prison.
- Critics argue these laws undermine First Amendment rights, turning minor infractions into serious felonies.
Key quote:
“Existing legislation is being misused...to criminalize peaceful acts calling for real action to combat climate change.”
— Mary Lawlor, UN special rapporteur on human rights defenders.
Why this matters:
Anti-protest laws threaten free speech and peaceful demonstration, essential for holding governments and corporations accountable on climate action. By criminalizing activism, these laws could stifle efforts to address the urgent climate crisis.
Related: Activists call for politicians to sever ties with fossil fuel industries
Why Michael Regan backed down on environmental justice promises
Despite a promising start, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency head Michael Regan has faced setbacks in tackling environmental racism due to political and legal pressures.
In short:
- Michael Regan's initial push to address environmental racism in areas like Cancer Alley was met with hope from affected communities.
- Legal battles and political backlash, especially from conservative groups, have forced the EPA to scale back its civil rights investigations.
- The fight over environmental justice has become a battleground for broader racial and political issues, with Regan walking a fine line between progress and caution.
Key quote:
“It’s worrisome that there are certain interests in this country that are trying to take power away from the very folks that need protection from environmental injustices.”
— Michael Regan, EPA administrator
Why this matters:
The environmental and health stakes here are high — marginalized communities continue to bear the brunt of pollution, and without decisive action, the systemic racism baked into environmental policy persists. Read more: New EPA regulations mean a closer eye on the nation’s petrochemical hub.
EU avoids enforcing fines despite numerous environmental violations by member states
The European Commission has failed to impose penalties on countries for more than 40 court-ruled breaches of EU law, most concerning environmental protections, leaving violations unresolved for decades.
Pascal Hansens, Harald Schumann and Maxence Pegné Investigate Europe.
In short:
- More than 40 cases involving EU law breaches, mainly on climate and biodiversity, remain unresolved due to the European Commission’s inaction.
- Ireland’s case of failing to protect endangered birds like the hen harrier has persisted for over 17 years, despite a European Court of Justice ruling.
- Some nations, including Italy and Greece, have paid fines for breaches but still fail to address underlying issues.
Key quote:
“The Commission should ensure all adopted EU laws are fully enforced in all member states, but it is not doing so.”
— Daniel Freund, Green MEP
Why this matters:
Failure to enforce EU environmental laws threatens biodiversity and increases health costs, as seen in cases like air pollution, which causes thousands of deaths annually. Without penalties, member states are less likely to comply with crucial environmental protections.
Related:
Young voters question Kamala Harris' climate stance as election nears
The initial enthusiasm for Kamala Harris among young climate voters is fading as many now call for more aggressive climate policies, particularly on fracking and fossil fuels.
In short:
- Kamala Harris’ candidacy initially boosted youth voter enthusiasm, but her support of oil and gas policies has disappointed some.
- Climate groups like the Sunrise Movement are pushing Harris to take stronger stances on fracking and fossil fuels.
- Voter registration surged after Harris entered the race, but activists worry youth turnout could falter without bolder climate action.
Key quote:
"We make our demands based not on what is convenient or easy but what is absolutely necessary."
— Michael Greenberg, founder of Climate Defiance
Why this matters:
Youth voter turnout could significantly influence the 2024 election. Harris needs strong climate commitments to mobilize young voters, who see climate action as a top priority. Without this, some may abstain or support third-party candidates.
For more:
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.”