

Christopher Flavelle
A Times reporter covering how President Trump is transforming the local government.
Top 10 podcasts with Christopher Flavelle
Ranked by the Snipd community

277 snips
Jul 15, 2025 • 29min
Did the Texas Floods Have to Be This Deadly?
Christopher Flavelle, a Times reporter, delves into the tragic aftermath of the Texas floods that claimed over 130 lives. He discusses how local officials failed to implement crucial warning systems despite knowing the risks. Personal accounts reveal the chaos as residents were caught off guard by the storm. Flavelle emphasizes systemic accountability failures, including challenges within FEMA and the National Weather Service, underscoring the urgent need for better infrastructure and preparedness. A compelling examination of a preventable disaster.

78 snips
May 15, 2024 • 24min
The Possible Collapse of the U.S. Home Insurance System
Christopher Flavelle, a climate change reporter for The New York Times, dives into the crumbling U.S. home insurance market under the pressure of climate change. He reveals how escalating extreme weather is driving homeowners’ premiums sky-high while insurers are pulling out of numerous markets. Flavelle discusses the case study of Marshalltown, Iowa, where residents face a precarious balance between rising costs and limited coverage. The conversation also touches on the role of government in managing risks in high-risk zones as climate challenges become inevitable.

76 snips
Sep 1, 2023 • 39min
Arizona’s Pipe Dream
Christopher Flavelle, a climate adaptation reporter for The New York Times, teams up with Chuck Podolak, head of Arizona's Water Infrastructure Finance Authority, to explore Arizona's growing water crisis. They discuss the alarming rates at which groundwater is depleted, posing a threat to both drinking water and agricultural sustainability. Delving into controversial solutions like desalination and the financial and environmental hurdles of a major pipeline project, they highlight the urgent need for innovative and sustainable approaches to secure Arizona's water future.

39 snips
Jan 12, 2023 • 27min
The California Floods
Christopher Flavelle, a climate reporter for The New York Times, sheds light on California's recent flooding crisis amidst its historic drought. He discusses how past water management practices have exacerbated current flooding and highlights the failure to adapt to 21st-century climate challenges. Flavelle advocates for innovative solutions, including reimagining land use for rivers and urgent strategic planning to tackle both drought and flooding. Listening in, you'll grasp the intricate dance between climate change and California's approach to water resource management.

28 snips
Jan 31, 2023 • 24min
7 States, 1 River and an Agonizing Choice
Christopher Flavelle, a climate reporter for The New York Times, discusses the looming Colorado River water crisis affecting 40 million residents across seven states. With the river facing a ‘deadpool’ scenario due to two decades of drought, negotiations on water usage cuts have stalled. Flavelle delves into the intense conflicts between states like California and Arizona over water rights and emphasizes the dire need for federal intervention. He also highlights innovative efforts by local communities to adapt to these environmental challenges.

25 snips
Oct 18, 2022 • 31min
Did Hurricane Ian Bust Florida’s Housing Boom?
Christopher Flavelle, a climate reporter for The New York Times, delves into the aftermath of Hurricane Ian on Florida's housing market. He discusses the record number of insurance claims and the vulnerabilities of the insurance industry in the face of escalating damages. The conversation reveals how Hurricane Ian's impacts could threaten home sales and mortgages, posing significant challenges for residents in high-risk areas. Flavelle highlights the crucial role of reinsurance and questions the ethics of climate adaptation amidst these pressing concerns.

5 snips
Jul 22, 2022 • 33min
Utah’s ‘Environmental Nuclear Bomb’
In this engaging discussion, Christopher Flavelle, a climate reporter for The New York Times, unpacks the alarming crisis of the Great Salt Lake drying up. He reveals the ecological, economic, and health implications of shrinking waters in Utah, highlighting the urgent need for legislative action. The podcast dives into the vulnerability of local communities affected by toxic dust and air quality issues. Flavelle emphasizes the necessity for proactive strategies to manage water resources while grappling with climate change and population growth.

Mar 29, 2022 • 31min
Senator Joe Manchin’s Conflict of Interest
Christopher Flavelle, a climate reporter for The New York Times, dives deep into the controversial ties between Senator Joe Manchin and the coal industry. He reveals how Manchin's private coal business has influenced his political decisions, including blocking climate legislation. Flavelle discusses the historical context of Manchin's involvement with a specific West Virginia power plant and the ethical implications of his actions on climate policy. The investigation raises critical questions about the intersection of politics, profit, and environmental responsibility.

Oct 11, 2021 • 41min
Which Towns Are Worth Saving?
Christopher Flavelle, a climate reporter for The New York Times, dives deep into the heartbreaking dilemmas faced by communities like Fair Bluff and Avon in North Carolina, regularly battered by floods and hurricanes. He explores how towns weigh the emotional toll of displacement against their hope for revitalization. The discussion highlights the stark contrasts in resources between these towns and the urgent need for a plan to navigate climate change. Flavelle brings to light the broader implications of climate inequality as all communities, rich or poor, face the impending crisis.

Sep 11, 2020 • 24min
A Self-Perpetuating Cycle of Wildfires
Christopher Flavelle, a New York Times reporter specializing in the effects of global warming, discusses the devastating wildfires in California. He illuminates how climate change and urban development create a hazardous cycle, with rebuilding in fire zones leading to repeated destruction. The conversation delves into the role of insurance companies in managing risks and coverage challenges for homeowners in these vulnerable areas. Flavelle emphasizes the emotional pull to restore communities, often at the expense of implementing safer, more resilient building practices.