justice
Newsletter
Cities struggle as storm prep burden shifts to citizens
Rapidly intensifying storms are forcing cities to adapt as residents increasingly shoulder the burden of disaster preparedness and evacuation planning.
In short:
- Cities have less time to order evacuations due to faster storm intensification, putting residents at risk of being trapped or facing unnecessary evacuations.
- Community groups and local organizations in New Orleans are stepping up to fill gaps in disaster preparedness with resource centers and solar panels.
- Climate change is reducing vertical wind shear, leading to more rapid storm intensification near coastlines, exacerbating the challenge.
Why this matters:
As climate change accelerates storm intensification, cities and residents must adapt quickly to new disaster preparedness challenges. Effective community collaboration and self-reliance become crucial in safeguarding lives and property.
Related EHN coverage:
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Credit: Colin Lloyd/Unsplash
Kamala Harris faces attacks over climate equity stance
Vice President Kamala Harris is facing attacks from Republicans for her climate policies aimed at disadvantaged communities, with some critics accusing her of racial favoritism.
Thomas Frank, Jean Chemnick and Avery Ellfeldt report for E&E News.
In short:
- Vice President Kamala Harris has promoted climate programs focusing on low-income and minority groups.
- Some Republicans, including Rep. Tim Burchett and Sen. Rick Scott, have criticized her efforts, alleging racial bias.
- Despite these claims, a significant portion of FEMA aid in Florida post-Hurricane Ian went to predominantly white areas.
Key quote:
"Kamala Harris should expect to be attacked for it. She was born a target for Republicans. Everything that she embodies is the antithesis of what the Rick Scotts of the world would like to see."
— Chauncia Willis, CEO of the Institute for Diversity and Inclusion in Emergency Management
Why this matters:
Climate policies addressing environmental justice aim to rectify long-standing inequities affecting vulnerable communities. The controversy highlights the political challenges of implementing equity-focused initiatives in the U.S.
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Newsletter
Credit: Alex Traveler/Big Stock Photo
Landslides in Ethiopia claim 229 lives
A double landslide in southwestern Ethiopia killed 229 people on Monday, burying rescuers who rushed to help those initially trapped.
Lynsey Chutel and Kumerra Gemechu report for The New York Times.
In short:
- The first landslide struck Geze district, killing many villagers; a second landslide hit rescuers an hour later.
- Continuous heavy rains had saturated the land, leading to the deadly mudslides.
- The region is increasingly vulnerable to climate change, experiencing severe weather patterns and more frequent natural disasters.
Key quote:
“They had no clue that the land they were standing on was about to swallow them.”
— Habtamu Fetena, local government emergency response head
Why this matters:
Climate change is intensifying extreme weather events in East Africa, leading to more frequent and severe natural disasters. Understanding these impacts is crucial for improving disaster preparedness and response
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California regulators fail to enforce new oil well cleanup law
California regulators decided they lack the authority to enforce the state's new oil well cleanup law on California's largest oil company merger, potentially costing taxpayers billions.
In short:
- California’s new oil well cleanup law, passed in October, requires companies to set aside bonds to cover cleanup costs during well transfers.
- State regulators ruled the law doesn't apply to the merger of California Resources Corp. and Aera Energy, which involves about 16,000 idle wells.
- Critics argue this interpretation creates a loophole allowing companies to evade the law’s financial requirements.
Key quote:
“If a company is drilling for oil in California, they should be responsible for cleaning and closing that oil well. Not enforcing the law as intended sets-up our state for a potential financial catastrophe.”
— Assemblymember Wendy Carrillo
Why this matters:
Idle oil wells in California leak pollutants, endanger public health and pose financial risks to taxpayers. Without enforcement, the state faces escalating cleanup costs and environmental hazards.
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Newsletter
Credit: Matt Bennett/Unsplash
Rising heat and wildfires pose increasing risks to the elderly
As extreme heat events and wildfires become more frequent and intense, America’s growing elderly population faces escalating health and safety threats.
In short:
- Older adults are especially vulnerable to heat-related injuries, which are increasing alongside global temperature rises.
- Heat exacerbates existing health conditions in older adults, potentially causing thousands of additional deaths annually.
- Community centers with air conditioning and regular check-ins by family or neighbors can help mitigate risks.
Key quote:
“It’s easy to say, ‘Oh, buy central air,’ but people are struggling financially everywhere, so it’s just not an easy fix.”
— Ian Neel, geriatrician and associate professor at UC San Diego School of Medicine
Why this matters:
Extreme heat and wildfires disproportionately endanger older adults, who are less able to cope with these conditions due to mobility issues and chronic health problems. Community support and awareness can significantly reduce heat-related health risks for the elderly.
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Credit: IR Stone/Big Stock Photo
Citizens sue UK government for lack of climate adaptation measures
Three claimants are suing the UK government, claiming its climate adaptation plan fails to protect people and property from the escalating climate crisis.
In short:
- Claimants argue the government's third national adaptation program (NAP3) violates the Climate Change Act 2008.
- Kevin Jordan and Doug Paulley, both affected by climate change, claim the plan neglects their rights and exacerbates their vulnerabilities.
- The environmental group Friends of the Earth supports the case, emphasizing the need for clear, actionable objectives.
Key quote:
"The lack of planning makes me fearful that in an emergency, disabled people won’t be properly protected."
— Doug Paulley
Why this matters:
Inadequate climate adaptation plans can leave vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and disabled, at heightened risk. Effective measures are crucial to safeguard lives and property from worsening climate impacts.
Related EHN coverage:
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Newsletter
Flood risk is higher for Indigenous lands in Oklahoma
Oklahoma’s Indigenous communities face flooding risks five times greater than other areas due to forced relocation to flood-prone lands.
In short:
- Indigenous lands in Oklahoma are at a significantly higher risk of flooding compared to other areas in the state.
- The soil quality and lack of wetlands on these lands exacerbate flooding, making recovery difficult for many tribes.
- Federal funding has been announced to help tribal efforts in climate resilience and flood mitigation.
Key quote:
“We get stuck in places where nobody else wants to live.”
— Theresa Tsoodle, researcher at the University of Oklahoma
Why this matters:
Flooding leads to loss of life, property damage, and soil erosion, with climate change increasing the frequency and intensity of such events. Effective flood management integrating traditional tribal knowledge is crucial for safeguarding these vulnerable communities.
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