Disaster Response Dynamics: Lessons from Historical Crises

Jonathan Cohn talk with an old friend Juliette Kayyem. They discuss FEMA’s recent challenges and growing responsibilities in the face of escalating climate disasters, especially extreme heat. They examine how climate change is making disasters more frequent and costly, stretching FEMA’s resources to the limit. The conversation also touches on the recent Texas disaster, using it as a case study of how unprepared infrastructure and slow responses can worsen the toll of extreme events. The discussion highlights the urgent need for both federal support and local action to adapt to the climate crisis.