ClimateWire News
Senate Democrat draws industry fire for federal reinsurance proposal
California Sen. Adam Schiff introduced legislation aimed at stabilizing state property insurance markets. Insurance groups say it's misguided.
In Hawaii, new tourism tax aims to offset costs of climate change
The "green fee," which takes effect Jan. 1, 2026, will fund environmental projects, such as beach restoration or the removal of fire-prone grasses.
Rescuers search for dozens missing after deadly floods in India
Floodwaters rushed down narrow mountains Tuesday into Dharali, a mountain village in northern India, sweeping away homes, roads and a local market.
France’s biggest wildfire this summer burns area larger than Paris
The fire remained "very active" Wednesday, local officials said. The weather was hot, dry and windy, making it difficult for firefighters to contain the blaze.
Studies tie unrecognized deaths and health to Maui, LA fires
Researchers concluded that in addition to 30 deaths attributed directly to the L.A. blaze, more than 400 others could have been due to interrupted health care.
Texas insurer gambles on plan to freeze rates
By reducing its reserves, the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association can keep prices steady for policyholders on the coast. But it may struggle to pay claims.
NWS can now fill hundreds of jobs. Some experts say it’s not enough.
The hiring burst follows a wave of departures at the National Weather Service during the first few months of the Trump administration.
EPA may end $7B rooftop solar program
Nonprofits and state agencies involved in the solar initiative for low-income households say they’ve been warned grants could be terminated this week.
Judge backs Democrats seeking to restore disaster grants
The Tuesday ruling stops the Trump administration from spending $4 billion it pulled from a grant program that funded disaster-protection projects.
Texas legislators plow ahead on flood bills, despite Democratic exodus
Lawmakers considered measures responding to last month's deadly floods without Democrats who fled the state to block Republican gerrymandering.
New York power-bill backlash threatens Con Edison’s climate goals
ConEd says it needs to charge higher rates to fortify the power grid against a growing threat: climate change.
Japan sets new temperature record for second time in a week
The country has issued multiple heat alerts this year and also set tougher rules for employers to ensure workers are protected.
Frequent disasters expose climate risks to infrastructure in South Asia
Climate experts say the increasing frequency of extreme weather has changed the playbook for assessing infrastructure risks and rebuilding efforts.
Enviros say President Noboa is undermining Ecuador’s green reputation
Similar trends are emerging in Peru and El Salvador, where governments have limited oversight, and in Brazil, which has eased licensing for Amazon projects.
Killing EPA climate rule could backfire on industry
A repeal of EPA’s endangerment finding may open the door to more lawsuits against companies that emit planet-warming pollution, legal experts say.
Walkout in Texas Legislature could hinder flood improvements
House Democrats left the state to block a redistricting effort — and stalled a special session aimed at preventing flood deaths.
FEMA says in court filing it ‘has not ended’ disaster grant program
FEMA’s leader contradicted Trump administration statements that it canceled the popular BRIC program, which pays for disaster protection.
GHG booster to Zeldin: Beware ‘public health harms’ of regulations
Documents show that fossil energy promoter Alex Epstein asked the EPA administrator to stop using a scientific model to project climate impacts.
Merkley assails US loan for Mozambique natural gas project
The U.S. Export-Import Bank approved $4.7 billion in March. The Oregon Democrat says the project will have "climate impacts for decades."
Confused politics fans flames of Southern Europe’s wildfires
In Cyprus, an early warning system failed and an evacuation plan confused locals. The government’s struggles are emblematic of problems in many countries.