
A Matter of Degrees
Presenting: L.A. Wildfires: Rebuilding for a Hotter, Drier Future
Jan 23, 2025
Sammy Roth, a climate columnist for the Los Angeles Times and host of the Boiling Point podcast, chats with Kelly Sanders, a USC civil engineering professor and former White House clean energy advisor. They dissect the severe wildfires in Los Angeles, linking them to climate change and discussing innovative resilience strategies for rebuilding. Topics include the challenges of water management, the transition to a zero-carbon energy system, and the need for sustainable urban design to mitigate future wildfire risks.
38:52
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Quick takeaways
- The ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles underscore the urgent need for proactive urban planning and improved building codes to enhance fire resilience.
- Innovative water management strategies, including enhanced recycling and rainwater capture, are essential to address water scarcity and support wildfire prevention efforts.
Deep dives
The Impact of Climate Change on Disasters
The increasing frequency and severity of climate disasters in the U.S. is alarming, with a significant rise in billion-dollar disasters over the decades. Data indicates that these incidents have escalated from 33 in the 1980s to a staggering 115 in just the first half of the current decade. This pattern is highlighted by the ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles, which have claimed lives and caused mass evacuations, illustrating the destructive impact of climate change. The discussions emphasize that climate change is amplifying severe weather events, leading to more frequent occurrences of such disasters.
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