wildfire risk
Newsletter
Credit: The National Guard/Flickr
The next president will face a climate reckoning
The climate crisis is battering the U.S., but the presidential debate barely touched on the issue, leaving many questions unanswered as Americans grapple with wildfires, hurricanes, and extreme heat.
In short:
- Extreme weather events, including wildfires and hurricanes, are causing widespread damage, yet presidential candidates have provided few concrete plans for addressing these disasters.
- The insurance industry is fleeing high-risk areas, leaving millions without coverage as climate impacts worsen, but this crisis remains largely ignored in political discussions.
- Kamala Harris and Donald Trump offer vague climate positions, with Harris focused on building on Biden’s climate policies and Trump advocating for more oil drilling.
Key quote:
“We can deal with this issue.”
— Kamala Harris, Vice President
Why this matters:
The climate crisis is no longer some distant, theoretical problem. It's here, smacking us in the face with wildfires, hurricanes, heatwaves, and floods. Regardless of their stance on climate policy, the next leader will have to answer for how they will protect American lives in the face of a changing, and increasingly hostile, environment. Read more: We mobilized to defend the EPA in Trump's first term. This time the stakes are even higher.
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Credit: Coconino National Forest, Ariz./Flickr
Forest policy debates could shape, but not shift, national forest management
As November’s election approaches, the battle over how we manage national forests heats up, but the day-to-day work in these forests is likely to stay on course.
In short:
- The Forest Service’s work, including logging and fire management, is expected to continue regardless of election outcomes.
- Major funding from the Inflation Reduction Act and the bipartisan infrastructure law will keep driving forest management projects, though future funding could be uncertain.
- The biggest policy divide may focus on protecting old-growth forests, with Democrats likely pushing for more conservation and Republicans favoring resource management.
Key quote:
“There isn’t much controversy over the need to do more to improve the health of the national forests.”
— Bill Imbergamo, executive director of the Federal Forest Resource Coalition
Why this matters:
No matter the outcome of this fall's elections, the U.S. Forest Service's operations will roll on, driven by its army of career employees, not political appointees. Emphasis on a fire-first approach exemplifies the challenge of balancing immediate threats with long-term forest health. Read more: The push for standing forest protections in US climate policy.
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Credit: MyEyeSees/Flickr
Climate change raises risks for sites with radioactive materials
As climate change intensifies, sites housing radioactive materials face increased threats from wildfires and floods.
In short:
- The Pantex Plant in Texas faced near-catastrophic wildfires, highlighting the vulnerability of facilities storing nuclear materials.
- Extreme weather events, fueled by climate change, pose increasing risks to dozens of sites across the U.S., potentially disrupting critical energy and defense operations.
- The Department of Energy now requires existing sites to assess climate risks, but new site permits often overlook future climate projections.
Key quote:
“I think it’s too early to assume that we’ve got all the worst-case scenarios resolved ... (because) what might have been safe 25 years ago probably is no longer safe.”
— Paul Walker, program director, Green Cross International.
Why this matters:
Climate change's impact on sites with radioactive materials can lead to severe health and environmental consequences, heightening the need for proactive planning and infrastructure upgrades to mitigate risks. Read more: Past deadline and over budget, nuclear energy is struggling.
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Credit: Steve Jurvetson/Flickr
Siberia’s ice is melting, revealing its past and endangering its future
Sheets of the softening land have emerged for the first time in hundreds of thousands of years, revealing skeletons, disease and awakening life.
Credit: California National Guard/Senior Airman Crystal Housman/Flickr
California wildfires created toxic chromium, research finds
As climate change intensifies wildfires, scientists are trying to figure out just how dangerous their smoke can be for human health.
Why 16 million households in northern and central California are about to pay more for electricity
With no cap on price increases for California’s utilities, Pacific Gas & Electric will hike rates 13%, which it says is needed for upgrades.
North Charleston/FlickrPhoto by Ryan Johnson
Climate change driving need for Pa. Red Cross training
The American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania is conducting trainings across the state to make sure volunteers are ready to set up and run temporary shelters for people who can’t return to their homes.
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