California Ignores The Science As It OKs More Homes In Wildfire Zones
"Researchers say continued home building in high-risk wildfire areas threatens lives and makes big blazes more likely."
Source: LA Times, 10/08/2019
Planning & Growth
In Houston, Rash of Storms Tests Limits of Coping With Climate Change
"After Hurricane Harvey hit in 2017, Houston jumped to the front of the pack in adapting to the threat of climate change. It passed tougher building codes, offered more buyouts for flood-prone homes and budgeted billions of dollars in new funding for flood control."
Source: NY Times, 10/03/2019
Algae — Society’s Big, Green … and Emerging Menace
It’s poisoning fresh waters across the United States, as well as elsewhere in the Americas, Europe, Asia and Africa. Blue-green algae is on the rise, lingering later and later into the year. Our new Issue Backgrounder explains the contributing factors behind the potent toxin’s scourge, its societal and public health ramifications, and the many angles and resources to tell the story.
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Trailing the Wind, With Massive Turbine Spreadsheet
Wind turbines are everywhere in the United States these days. And now a growing database allows you to track them down by the thousands so you can better report the burgeoning wind energy beat. The latest Reporter’s Toolbox tells you who’s behind this invaluable database, plus smart ways to use it for your coverage.
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Climate Change Poses Major Risk To Flood Insurance Program: Experts
"Environmental experts on Wednesday warned House lawmakers about risks to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) posed by climate change, saying the situation is likely to worsen in the coming years."
Source: The Hill, 09/13/2019
"Trees Are Key To Fighting Urban Heat — But Cities Keep Losing Them"
"Annie Haigler steps out of her home in Louisville, Ky., pulling a handkerchief out of her pocket to dab sweat off her forehead. She enjoys sitting on her porch, especially to watch the sunrise. She has always been a morning person. But as the day progresses, the heat can be unbearable for her."
Source: NPR, 09/05/2019
Other Cities Have Built Levees And Sea Walls. That Won't Work In Florida
"Guus van Kesteren moved to Delray Beach 23 years ago. His home here is on the the town's barrier island and backs up to the Intracoastal Waterway, which separates the island from the Florida mainland."
Source: CNN, 09/04/2019
“Superpower: One Man’s Quest to Transform American Energy”
The new book, “Superpower: One Man’s Quest to Transform American Energy,” takes what our reviewer calls an illuminating look into the politics and economics of energy development. The volume examines the decade-long effort to build long-distance transmission lines for wind-generated electricity. More in our latest BookShelf review.
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How to Rebound After a Disaster: Move, Don’t Rebuild, Research Suggests
"What should communities do as climate change escalates threats like sea-level rise? Until now, much of the focus has been on disaster response, with very little discussion of orderly, strategic retreat from areas at risk. After Hurricane Sandy in 2012, for example, the New York State governor’s office ran a public service announcement that made clear the focus would be on rebuilding."
Source: NY Times, 08/23/2019
"Competing Visions For A Famed River In A Midwest Hotspot — Part 2"
"This 2-part series explores two projects on Michigan's Grand River and how a fast-growing region is struggling to define a relationship with the river it was built around."
Source: Daily Climate, 08/21/2019
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