Science Friday As Disasters Escalate, What’s The Future Of FEMA?
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Jul 11, 2025 In this discussion, Samantha Montano, an associate professor at the Massachusetts Maritime Academy and author of *Disasterology*, dives into the future of FEMA amid proposals for its reduction. She explores the evolving challenges of disaster management in the U.S., highlighting staffing shortages and funding issues. The conversation also reveals how climate change is intensifying flooding and altering weather patterns, stressing the urgent need for reform in emergency response and better warning systems to address these extreme events.
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FEMA's Supportive Role And State Limits
- FEMA is designed primarily as a support agency to state and local governments in disasters.
- States currently lack the capacity and resources to manage catastrophic events independently.
FEMA Faces Significant Brain Drain
- FEMA is experiencing significant staff loss and leadership departures.
- This brain drain is weakening FEMA's effectiveness even before any official phase-out.
Improve FEMA By Restructuring And Funding
- FEMA should be separated from the Department of Homeland Security to regain effectiveness.
- Increasing funding and streamlining aid delivery will help disaster survivors rebuild faster.
