climate change
Newsletter
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Hurricanes’ hidden death toll lingers long after the storm ends
A new study reveals that tropical storms cause thousands of deaths over the years following the event, far exceeding the immediate death toll.
In short:
- Research shows tropical storms result in an additional 7,000-11,000 deaths over 15 years, more than initially expected.
- Long-term impacts like stress, financial strain and disrupted healthcare contribute to mortality years after the storm.
- Communities hit frequently, like Florida, suffer the most, with Black populations disproportionately affected.
Key quote:
“When things are invisible, politicians can’t respond to it, communities can’t fix it.”
— Solomon Hsiang, professor of global environmental policy at the Doerr School of Sustainability at Stanford University
Why this matters:
While hurricane deaths typically focus on the immediate aftermath, these findings highlight the need for long-term disaster planning and support. Vulnerable communities face lasting health and economic challenges that remain unaddressed.
Read more: Exploring the need for a new category in hurricane intensity
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Hurricane Helene exposes Southeast's flood insurance gap
Hurricane Helene has left thousands in Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina struggling to recover due to low flood insurance rates, highlighting a growing crisis worsened by climate change.
In short:
- Less than 2% of households in the hardest-hit counties of Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina have federal flood insurance.
- Flood insurance is sold separately from homeowners’ insurance, leaving many low-income households vulnerable to devastating financial loss.
- FEMA aid offers limited relief, while other forms of assistance, like HUD funds, take years to arrive.
Key quote:
“These problems are not going to get any better in the future. They’re going to get worse.”
— Andrew Rumbach, housing researcher, Urban Institute
Why this matters:
As climate change intensifies flooding, the lack of flood insurance in high-risk areas threatens the financial security of millions of Americans. Without coverage, recovery from extreme weather events will grow increasingly difficult, deepening inequality in affected communities.
Read more: Climate change impacts insurance availability in high-risk areas
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Credit: Eniko Balogh/Big Stock Photo
When climate change threatens communities, who gets to stay?
Many U.S. communities are facing the hard choice of relocating due to worsening climate threats, raising questions about fairness in who gets to stay and who must move.
In short:
- U.S. governments are using federal funds to buy out homes in climate-vulnerable areas, but not all residents agree to leave.
- Wealthier communities often resist relocation, while lower-income areas are more likely to accept buyouts due to economic constraints.
- A lack of a clear national strategy on climate adaptation has led to inequities in who gets protected and who gets displaced.
Key quote:
“It’s very limiting to conceptualize retreat in terms of property and possessions, rather than asking, ‘What kinds of relationships with my community am I able to maintain?’”
— Simona Capisani, political philosopher at Durham University
Why this matters:
As climate change intensifies, more communities will face displacement. Without clear policies, wealthier areas might receive more protection, leaving poorer, more vulnerable populations to bear the brunt of climate risks.
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Credit: MaryEKearney/Big Stock Photo
Florida residents struggle to rebuild after repeated hurricanes
Florida’s Big Bend area has been hit by three hurricanes in 13 months, leaving communities like Horseshoe Beach grappling with the costs of rebuilding and questions about their future.
Kate Payne and David R. Martin report for The Associated Press.
In short:
- Florida’s Big Bend region was devastated by Hurricanes Idalia, Debby and Helene, with many homes destroyed and residents unable to afford rebuilding.
- Many families are living in temporary shelters or with relatives, while others consider leaving the area entirely due to the increasing storm risks.
- Local residents are organizing aid themselves as government support, including insurance and FEMA, has been insufficient to meet the scale of the crisis.
Key quote:
“They lost everything with Idalia and they were told, ‘here, you can have a loan.’ I mean, where’s our tax money going then?”
— Janalea England, local resident
Why this matters:
Stronger, more frequent storms linked to climate change are making it harder for vulnerable coastal communities to rebuild. Many residents face impossible choices between staying in flood-prone homes or leaving behind their livelihoods and histories.
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Credit: Wolfgang Weiser/Unsplash
Canada’s pipeline subsidies continue to grow due to low tolls
A recent report shows Canadians may lose more than $18.8 billion due to the government's low toll rates for the Trans Mountain pipeline, with the oil industry reaping the benefits.
In short:
- The government bought the Trans Mountain pipeline in 2019 but failed to update toll rates, leaving taxpayers responsible for billions in costs.
- Oil companies pay far below market rates, creating an $18.8 billion subsidy, or about $1,200 per Canadian household.
- Raising tolls now could lead to legal challenges or companies abandoning contracts, complicating efforts to recoup taxpayer money.
Key quote:
“The bottom line is the oil industry should be paying for the full capital cost, not the taxpayer.”
— Tom Gunton, Simon Fraser University professor and author of the International Institute of Sustainable Development report
Why this matters:
With Canada committed to eliminating fossil fuel subsidies, the public bears an enormous financial burden while oil companies profit. This raises questions about the government's priorities in balancing economic and environmental responsibilities.
Read more: Biden's battle against enduring fossil fuel tax breaks
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Peaceful anti-pipeline protesters face criminal charges under new West Virginia law
West Virginia activists protesting the Mountain Valley pipeline are being hit with serious criminal and civil charges under a new law that increases penalties for those opposing fossil fuel infrastructure projects.
In short:
- Climate activists protesting the Mountain Valley pipeline face charges under a West Virginia law that punishes protests against critical infrastructure with harsh penalties.
- More than 50 activists have been arrested, and many face both jail time and lawsuits from pipeline companies seeking damages.
- The fossil fuel industry is backing these laws to suppress protests as the environmental movement grows.
Key quote:
“Legal intimidation is a tactic that’s designed to scare folks and incapacitate the movement.”
— Pipeline resistance organizer
Why this matters:
As governments fail to address the climate crisis, anti-protest laws target activists who challenge fossil fuel projects, limiting free speech and public dissent. This suppression risks hindering necessary action on environmental threats.
Related: This is what Indigenous resistance to fracking looks like in Pennsylvania
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Credit: Gage Skidmore/Flickr
Vance deflects on climate change policy in debate
During the vice-presidential debate, Sen. JD Vance suggested the U.S. should focus on re-shoring energy production and manufacturing instead of aggressively pursuing clean energy technologies.
In short:
- Vance claimed that the U.S. should be producing more energy domestically rather than investing in solar panels made in China.
- He argued that increased American manufacturing would result in cleaner energy production than what currently happens overseas.
- Critics point out that Republican opposition a decade ago hindered U.S. leadership in clean energy manufacturing.
Key quote:
“We’re the cleanest economy in the entire world.”
— Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio
Why this matters:
While re-shoring production sounds beneficial, relying on past GOP opposition to clean energy investments has hampered U.S. efforts to lead in this sector. Climate change continues to demand more immediate, systemic action.
Related coverage:
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