

Democracy Now! 2025-07-11 Friday
Jul 11, 2025
Volker Turk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, discusses U.S. immigration policy and the impacts of climate change on human rights. Monica Medina, a former NOAA official, highlights how the Trump administration's cuts have affected climate research and agency integrity. Lee Gelernt from the ACLU delves into a federal judge's injunction against ending birthright citizenship, linking it to broader civil rights issues. The conversation emphasizes the urgent need for empathy and effective action in tackling today's environmental and humanitarian crises.
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NOAA Cuts Weakened Disaster Response
- Cuts in NOAA staff broke vital emergency response chains during Texas floods.
- These staffing gaps hindered warnings from reaching vulnerable communities to save lives.
Heed Weather Warnings Promptly
- Pay close attention to weather warnings hours in advance.
- Strengthen local NOAA offices to ensure lifesaving forecast communication reaches communities.
FEMA Leadership Lapses in Floods
- FEMA's slow flood response linked to political roadblocks and lack of leadership.
- Bureaucratic delays and leadership absence compounded disaster impact in Texas floods.