The Bulwark Podcast David Wallace-Wells: The U.S. Is Handing the Baton to China
26 snips
Jul 17, 2025 
David Wallace-Wells, a science writer for the New York Times and author of 'The Uninhabitable Earth', discusses the stark energy landscape where China is outpacing the U.S. in renewable projects. He highlights the alarming rise in inland flooding and its inadequate media coverage, and critiques the U.S. focus on AI instead of urgent climate action. Wallace-Wells also explores the intertwined fates of elite accountability, climate policy, and the mystery surrounding ties to Jeffrey Epstein, as well as the pressing need for effective responses to global climate challenges.
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Short-Lived Climate Disaster Attention
- Recent climate disasters like the Texas floods and LA fires get intense but short-lived media attention.
- Society fails to learn or prepare adequately from these repeating climate events, worsening impacts over time.
Inland Flooding Dominates Climate Crisis
- Inland flooding is becoming the predominant face of climate disasters, surpassing hurricanes.
- Many cities and regions are greatly unprepared for the increasing intensity and frequency of these floods.
Adapt Through Local and Individual Action
- Recognize that adaptation to climate events requires both local government capacity and individual action.
- Support investments in infrastructure and personal preparedness to mitigate damage from floods and heat.
