Michael Wara

Costa Samaras, a professor and director at Carnegie Mellon, and Michael Wara, a Stanford sustainability policy expert, dive into the rising costs of energy bills across the U.S. They examine how factors like aging infrastructure and increased demand from data centers are skyrocketing prices. The duo also discusses California's unique challenges with electrification, wildfire resilience, and the push for renewable energy. Although concerns are raised, they also highlight strategies for improving energy efficiency and making the grid more sustainable.

Michael Wara, a Stanford professor and wildfire policy expert, tackles the pressing issue of wildfire management. He discusses the urgent need for community-driven approaches to combat escalating wildfire risks fueled by climate change. Wara emphasizes the importance of updating communication strategies to engage residents effectively. He also explores innovative solutions, like undergrounding power lines, and the potential of leveraging celebrity influence to raise awareness and reshape narratives around wildfire resilience.

Michael Wara, a climate and energy policy expert at Stanford, joins Dave Jones, a former California insurance commissioner, and Amy Bach, executive director of United Policyholders. They delve into how Los Angeles wildfires strain the insurance market. The conversation highlights the challenges homeowners face as major insurers withdraw, the rising costs of coverage, and the emotional toll on affected communities. Additionally, they discuss the urgent need for sustainable insurance solutions and the importance of community efforts in mitigating wildfire risks.