Gaia Vince, an award-winning science writer, and Jake Bittle, a Grist staff writer, dive into the pressing issue of climate migration triggered by destructive wildfires in Los Angeles. They discuss the immediate struggles of displaced residents and the complex factors affecting whether they should rebuild. Vince emphasizes the urgent reality of preparing for climate migration, while Bittle highlights the disparities in recovery based on wealth and housing market challenges. Together, they explore the broader implications of climate change on communities across the U.S.
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Paul's Story
Paul Metter, 72, lost almost everything in the LA fires, grabbing only his cats and a few items.
He's now in a shelter, uncertain about his future.
insights INSIGHT
Rebuilding Challenges
Wealthy neighborhoods like the Palisades face rebuilding challenges due to underinsurance and complex terrain.
Permitting and construction processes can be lengthy and expensive.
insights INSIGHT
Insurance Changes
California's insurance system is changing to allow insurers to charge more, accounting for climate change risks.
This could signal homeowners about the dangers of living in high-risk areas.
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Jake Bittle's "The Great Displacement" examines the growing phenomenon of climate change-driven migration within the United States. The book explores the stories of individuals and communities forced to relocate due to extreme weather events and environmental degradation. Bittle highlights the social and economic inequalities exacerbated by climate change, showing how vulnerable populations are disproportionately affected. The book offers a critical analysis of current policies and their shortcomings in addressing climate migration, advocating for more effective solutions. It serves as a wake-up call, urging readers to consider the human cost of climate change and the need for systemic change.
Adventures in the Anthropocene
A Journey to the Heart of the Planet We Made
Gaia Vince
Gaia Vince's "Adventures in the Anthropocene" takes readers on a journey across the globe, documenting the impacts of climate change on various communities. The book explores how people in diverse regions, from Nepal to Bolivia, are adapting to a warming world. Vince highlights innovative solutions and resilience in the face of environmental challenges, offering a blend of scientific analysis and human stories. The book emphasizes the interconnectedness of environmental and social issues, urging readers to consider the global implications of climate change. It serves as a powerful reminder of humanity's impact on the planet and the urgent need for collective action.
Nomad Century
Gaia Vince
In 'Nomad Century', Gaia Vince explores the seismic consequences of climate change, particularly the inevitable mass migration of billions of people due to rising temperatures. The book delves into the impacts of drought, heat, wildfires, and flooding on human habitats and argues that migration, managed correctly, can be beneficial for both migrants and host countries. Vince draws on extensive environmental reporting and travel to the front lines of climate migration, offering insights into how these changes will transform food, cities, politics, and more. The book is a call to action, emphasizing the need for planned and deliberate migration strategies while working to restore the planet to a fully habitable state.
As the blazes in Los Angeles continue to burn, those who have lost their homes are contending with the immediate need for shelter– and difficult questions about whether or not to rebuild in the fire zone. Grist reporter Jake Bittle tells Akshat Rathi how California’s housing market and insurance regulations will shape the recovery. And Nomad Century author Gaia Vince says that in this era of climate instability, everyone should think about how prepared they are to become a climate migrant.
Zero is a production of Bloomberg Green. Our producer is Mythili Rao. Special thanks this week to Michelle Ma, Brian Kahn, Sharon Chen, and Sommer Saadi. Thoughts or suggestions? Email us at zeropod@bloomberg.net. For more coverage of climate change and solutions, visit https://www.bloomberg.com/green.
Zero: The Climate Race 
