New England battered by fourth storm since December

An intense storm caused significant flooding along New England's coastline, marking the fourth such event since December.

Ian Livingston reports for The Washington Post.


In short:

  • Coastal New Hampshire and southern Maine faced significant flooding due to high ocean surges, with areas like Hampton and Portland heavily impacted.
  • The storm caused widespread coastal flooding from Massachusetts to Georgia, with damage extending as far south as Charleston, S.C., and included heavy rains and snow in the interior Northeast.
  • This series of storms, intensified by climate change, heralds an increasing frequency of coastal flooding in the region.

Key fact:

The sea level has risen more than a foot in the Northeast United States since 1900 and is rising faster there than the global average.

Why this matters:

The repetitive and severe weather events in New England highlight the tangible consequences of climate change, emphasizing the urgency for environmental awareness and policy action to mitigate impacts on health, safety, and infrastructure. Will our shared misery help to bring us together on climate action?

A small tropical island viewed from the air

How rewilding could help atoll islands keep pace with rising seas

Healthy ecosystems may give some of the world’s most vulnerable islands a better shot at survival, new research shows.
Two young women wearing hijab

‘I am still a child, it cannot be good to be married’: How drought forces Afghan families to sell girls as brides

As climate breakdown pushes families to starvation, many feel forced to ‘sacrifice’ daughters to save siblings, with girls as young as eight and 10 engaged or married to repay debts or pay for food.

An illustration the earth with one side on fire

The Earth’s vital signs are concerning, a new report says

Still, the study’s authors say there is hope for solutions despite record-setting heat and historic storms.
A town along a water source

A late hurricane shows the danger of a warming Gulf for Black communities

Hurricane Isaias shows why hurricane counts alone cannot capture the risks facing Gulf Coast communities.
A row of cattle looking into the camera

Inside Big Beef’s ‘90s campaign to rewrite its climate story

Documents show how the National Cattlemen’s Association launched a long-term misinformation campaign to downplay livestock’s environmental impacts.
A room full of black server cabinets under fluorescent lighting

Data center opposition giving environmental groups momentum

Environmental groups are gaining momentum as concerns over rising electricity bills, pollution and AI fuel bipartisan opposition across the U.S.
A row of pipelines stretching across a dry environment with mountains in the background

Opinion: Amendment 82 is a dark-money attack on Colorado’s clean energy leadership

The measure would only benefit the natural gas industry while undermining our progress in addressing air pollution, which benefits all Coloradans.
From our Newsroom
Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

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.

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

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

Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro speaks with the state flag and American flag behind him.

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

silhouette of people holding hands by a lake at sunset

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.”

wildfire retardants being sprayed by plane

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

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

Stay informed: sign up for The Daily Climate newsletter
Top news on climate impacts, solutions, politics, drivers. Delivered to your inbox week days.