The high cost of California's atmospheric river: $11 billion

The recent atmospheric river in California has resulted in staggering costs, both financially and in human terms.

Heather Souvaine Horn reports for The New Republic.

In short:

The atmospheric river in California has caused an estimated $11 billion in damages.
This extreme weather event highlights the increasing severity and cost of climate-related disasters.
The impact is particularly severe in expensive neighborhoods, but it also significantly affects less affluent communities.

Key quote:

"The reason the sewers and storm drains aren’t built for anything even close to the catastrophe unfolding in California is largely thanks to cost."

— Dave Levitan, The New Republic.

Why this matters:

This situation emphasizes the urgent need for infrastructure improvements and climate resilience planning, especially in areas prone to extreme weather events. The article also points to the broader implications of climate change on public policy, urban planning, and disaster preparedness.

Preparing for and building back after natural disasters should not be a one-size-fits all approach.

newrepublic.com

The high cost of California's atmospheric river: $11 billion

Climate leaders push for more solar energy by 2030

‘Wait for the clock to run out’: Louisiana offshore wind energy leaders look beyond Trump

Clarence Thomas is in the hot seat for US Supreme Court’s biggest climate case in years

Sea levels on the West Coast to rise by a foot as Kelvin waves hit

21 states sue EPA to reinstate climate pollution rules for power plants

Clothes that cool you, warm you — and make power as you move

Gas from thawing Arctic permafrost is changing world's climate future

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Pennsylvania health advocates say Trump’s first 100 days in office have caused “100 harms” to local communities

“They're terrorizing these scientists because they want to keep them silent.”

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.