Rep.Bridenstine is a protege of Congressional uber-denier Sen. Jim Inhofe. He doubts the existence of man-made climate change.
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:
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.
Southern California continues to experience devastating wildfires, but residents remain surprisingly unprepared despite living in one of the nation's most disaster-prone regions.
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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:
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:
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 companies and lawmakers collaborated across multiple states to pass laws imposing harsher penalties for peaceful protests, aiming to deter climate activists.
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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
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.
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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.
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.
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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:
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:
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:
“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.”
