public health
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Biden’s push for plastic as a coal replacement sparks environmental backlash
A Pennsylvania company’s plan to turn plastic waste into fuel for steelmaking, backed by a $182.6 million federal loan guarantee, is drawing sharp criticism from environmentalists who say the project is anything but green.
In short:
- The U.S. Department of Energy is funding a project to replace coal with plastic waste in steel production, claiming it will reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- Environmental groups argue that burning plastic is not a viable climate solution and could worsen air pollution in disadvantaged communities.
- The Energy Department’s decision is under scrutiny as critics push for investment in cleaner, proven technologies like hydrogen.
Key quote:
“There are no steel mills in the United States that burn plastic. No one has any idea what the emissions profile of burning plastic will be.”
— Jane Williams, chair of Sierra Club’s national clean air team
Why this matters:
Burning plastic as fuel could introduce new toxic emissions, raising health concerns in communities already burdened by pollution, while potentially delaying the transition to truly clean energy alternatives. Read more: Every stage of plastic production and use is harming human health.
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Houston’s struggle to help Katrina evacuees stands as cautionary tale
After Hurricane Katrina, Houston’s initial warm embrace of 200,000 evacuees turned cold as racial tensions and media-driven fears about crime escalated.
In short:
- Houston’s mayor initially led a praised effort to resettle thousands of Katrina evacuees, but soon faced backlash due to racial prejudices and crime concerns.
- Media narratives blaming evacuees for rising crime in Houston intensified, even though studies later showed minimal impact on crime rates.
- The experience highlights the challenges cities face when handling large-scale climate-driven migrations, exacerbated by racial tensions and media influence.
Key quote:
“The dynamics of race and ethnicity and apprehension toward immigrants drove largely antagonistic beliefs about the mostly poor, mostly black new arrivals.”
— Authors of a study that analyzed Houston’s response to Katrina.
Why this matters:
The story of Houston’s response to Katrina evacuees is a cautionary tale for future climate disasters, showing how quickly compassion can turn to hostility, especially when race and fear are involved. The politics of disaster recovery can turn ugly, transforming places of refuge into battlegrounds where the victims of one disaster are scapegoated for entirely different reasons. Read more: Poor southerners are joining the globe’s climate migrants.
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Rural Kentuckians left out of federal flood protection efforts
The federal government’s flood risk assessment tool overlooks rural areas like Eastern Kentucky, leaving communities unprotected and underfunded after devastating floods.
Claire Carlson and Elizabeth Miller report for Climate Central and the Daily Yonder.
In short:
- Kentucky’s rural communities, despite repeated flood disasters, are classified as "low risk" by FEMA, limiting federal support.
- The National Risk Index used by FEMA undervalues rural areas due to lower financial assets, leading to biased disaster funding.
- Local leaders and residents are advocating for better federal support and preparing for future disasters with limited resources.
Key quote:
“There’s a bias against, I think, rural communities, especially in the flood dataset.”
— Chad Berginnis, Executive Director of the Association of State Floodplain Managers
Why this matters:
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) labels these areas as “low risk” for flooding, not because the floods are rare, but because the financial stakes are lower compared to urban centers. In simpler terms, these communities are too poor to warrant the full federal safety net. Read more: Rising waters: Aging levees, climate change and the challenge to hold back the Ohio River.
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Newsletter
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Athens suburbs face urgent evacuations as wildfires rage near the Greek capital
A massive wildfire north of Athens has forced the evacuation of multiple suburbs, threatening lives and property as firefighters battle to contain the blaze.
In short:
- More than 670 firefighters and 30 aircraft have been deployed to combat wildfires threatening areas north of Athens.
- Evacuations include a children’s hospital, military clinic, and several towns, with the fire spreading rapidly despite efforts.
- Greece’s record-high temperatures and strong winds are fueling the fires, with climate change cited as a significant factor.
Key quote:
“Civil protection forces battled hard throughout the night, but despite superhuman efforts, the fire evolved rapidly.”
— Vassilis Vathrakogiannis, fire department spokesman
Why this matters:
As temperatures rise and dry conditions persist, these blazes are becoming more frequent and severe, putting lives, health, and entire ecosystems at risk. For families and healthcare workers in Greece, it's a nightmare scenario, one that’s becoming all too familiar. Read more: How do wildfires impact your health?Keep reading...Show less
Newsletter
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Wildfire smoke can disrupt anesthesia and surgery outcomes
Researchers warn that wildfire smoke, filled with harmful pollutants, may interfere with anesthesia and worsen surgical outcomes, especially for children and sensitive groups.
In short:
- Wildfire smoke contains fine particles and chemicals that cause inflammation and reduce antioxidant levels, impacting health.
- Exposure can exacerbate cardiovascular issues and damage organs, complicating perioperative outcomes for patients.
- Children with prior respiratory issues are significantly more affected by poor air quality during surgeries.
Key quote:
“Wildfire smoke poses significant health risks, particularly in people with pre-existing heart and lung disease, obese patients, infants and young children and other vulnerable groups.”
— Vijay Krishnamoorthy, chief of Duke University School of Medicine’s Critical Care Medicine Division.
Why this matters:
This study adds another layer of worry as wildfire seasons grow longer and more intense, raising health risks far beyond the obvious respiratory issues. Read more: Carlos Gould on wildfire smoke and our health.
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Newsletter
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Hurricane Debby brings dangerous flooding and rain to the southeastern US
Hurricane Debby is set to wreak havoc with torrential rains and flooding as it moves through Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina, bringing potentially record-breaking rainfall and life-threatening storm surge.
Kimberly Chandler and Christopher O’Meara report for the Associated Press.
In short:
- Hurricane Debby is expected to hit Florida's Big Bend coast on Monday, causing catastrophic flooding and life-threatening storm surges as it moves slowly across Florida before stalling over Georgia and South Carolina.
- Officials warn of potentially record-breaking rainfall, with some areas possibly receiving up to 30 inches of rain, threatening major flooding, particularly in low-lying coastal regions like Savannah and Charleston.
- Emergency declarations have been made by governors in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina, with evacuations underway and thousands of National Guard members activated to assist.
Key quote:
“There’s some really amazing rainfall totals being forecast and amazing in a bad way.”
— Michael Brennan, director of the National Hurricane Center
Why this matters:
It’s not just about the immediate chaos of the storm. Floodwaters can carry chemical runoff, raw sewage, and debris, which pose serious risks to both the ecosystem and public health. Read more: Robbie Parks on why hurricanes are getting deadlier.
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Credit: Mark Dixon, Blue Lens, LLC/Flickr
JD Vance's involvement weakens environmental regulations on steel emissions
Republican vice presidential candidate JD Vance played a significant role in weakening federal rules aimed at protecting steelworkers and nearby communities from harmful emissions, according to documents reviewed by The Lever.
In short:
- JD Vance urged the EPA to drop proposed rules to limit carcinogenic emissions from steel plants, claiming it would harm U.S. steel production and the economy.
- The EPA's revised rules, influenced by Vance and others, weakened protections against emissions known to cause cancer and respiratory diseases.
- Vance's actions reveal a pattern of prioritizing industrial interests over public health, echoing his past opposition to environmental regulations.
Key quote:
“We have 4 air purifiers, which need [to be] cleaned every 2 days. I try to dust every day, but it's worthless. It's back by that night. My doctor told us if we don't move we'll be in an early grave. You can taste it in your mouth.”
— Clairton, PA resident in a 2023 comment letter to the EPA
Why this matters:
While deregulation may promise short-term economic gains, the long-term health consequences can be severe, especially for those already living on the edge. Read more: EHN's Pittsburgh reporter discusses air pollution from U.S. Steel's Clairton Coke Works.
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