When an atmospheric river meets a bomb cyclone, it’s like a fire hose flailing out of control along the West Coast

A powerful storm hitting the West Coast combines these phenomena for a wet week of erratic weather, as a meteorologist explains.

Chad Hecht, Research and Operations Meteorologist, Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes, University of California, San Diego • conversation
Nov. 20, 2024 ~8 min

Atmospheric river meets bomb cyclone: The result is like a fire hose flailing out of control

A powerful storm hitting the West Coast combines these weather phenomena for a wet week in many areas. But forecasting exactly which areas will get hit hardest is tough, as a meteorologist explains.

Chad Hecht, Research and Operations Meteorologist, Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes, University of California, San Diego • conversation
Nov. 20, 2024 ~8 min


Americans face an insurability crisis as climate change worsens disasters – a look at how insurance companies set rates and coverage

Insurance costs are rising quickly across much of the country. Hurricanes are part of the reason, but it’s the other perils common across the Midwest and Great Plains that complicate costs.

Andrew J. Hoffman, Holcim (US) Professor of Sustainable Enterprise, Ross School of Business, School for Environment & Sustainability, University of Michigan • conversation
Nov. 18, 2024 ~10 min

Jails and prisons often fail to protect incarcerated people during natural disasters

Prisons and jails are difficult to evacuate when wildfires or storms approach. Many of these facilities lack evacuation plans and may keep incarcerated people on-site instead of moving them to safety.

Tara Goddard, Assistant Professor of Landscape Architecture & Urban Planning, Texas A&M University • conversation
Nov. 12, 2024 ~10 min

Tiny airborne particles within air pollution could be a silent killer – new study uncovers hidden risks and reveals who’s most at risk in New York state

Ultrafine particles are approximately one-thousandth the width of a human hair. But because of their tiny size, they are easily inhaled – and typically more dangerous than larger particles.

Quan Qi, PhD candidate in Economics, University at Albany, State University of New York • conversation
Oct. 24, 2024 ~6 min

Forest fires are shifting north and intensifying – here’s what that means for the planet

Global carbon emissions from forest fires have increased by 60% over the past two decades, with the largest contributions coming from fires in Siberia and western North America.

Stefan H Doerr, Professor of Geography and Director of the Centre for Wildfire Research, Swansea University • conversation
Oct. 17, 2024 ~8 min

People displaced by hurricanes face anxiety and a long road to recovery, US census surveys show − smarter, targeted policies could help

Disasters such as hurricanes Helene and Milton often hit low-income and other disadvantaged groups hardest. 2 policy experts suggest ways long-term aid could help.

Christian Weller, Professor of Public Policy and Public Affairs, UMass Boston • conversation
Oct. 15, 2024 ~8 min

Why wildfires started by human activities can be more destructive and harder to contain

The US has seen huge wildfires in recent years, and 2024 is no exception. The vast majority of those that affect communities are started by human activity.

Virginia Iglesias, Interim Earth Lab Director, University of Colorado Boulder • conversation
Oct. 8, 2024 ~8 min


US home insurance rates are rising fast – hurricanes and wildfires play a big role, but there’s more to it

Insurers are raising rates quickly, and it’s not just in California and Florida. They’re often shrinking coverage at the same time.

Andrew J. Hoffman, Professor of Management & Organizations, Environment & Sustainability, and Sustainable Enterprise, University of Michigan • conversation
Sept. 24, 2024 ~9 min

Why US home insurance rates are rising so fast – hurricanes and wildfires play a big role, but there’s more to it

Insurers are raising rates quickly, and it’s not just in California and Florida. They’re often shrinking coverage at the same time.

Andrew J. Hoffman, Professor of Management & Organizations, Environment & Sustainability, and Sustainable Enterprise, University of Michigan • conversation
Sept. 24, 2024 ~9 min

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