Rebecca Hersher

Lauren Sommer and Rebecca Hersher, both reporters from NPR's Climate Desk, delve into the crucial issue of climate change's impact on housing. They discuss the challenges faced by communities from California to Arizona as they confront wildfires, water scarcity, and flooding. Key topics include innovative housing designs for fire resistance, legal battles over new developments, and the urgent need for sustainable growth strategies. The emotional struggles of residents navigating these disasters offer a powerful lens on the intersection of climate and housing.

Rebecca Hersher, NPR's climate correspondent, sheds light on FEMA's failure to staff its disaster hotline during the recent Texas floods, leaving many survivors without crucial support. The discussion highlights the disconnect between government responses and real-life needs during crises. Hersher delves into the bureaucratic hurdles that exacerbate disaster response, such as spending limits and required approvals, while also critiquing the political landscape that lacks accountability. This conversation reveals deep-rooted inefficiencies that could jeopardize future disaster management.

Rebecca Hersher, NPR Climate Correspondent, delves into FEMA's role in responding to Texas floods amid political tensions. The discussion reveals the emotional impact on leaders during disaster visits and examines challenges in disaster funding allocations. Hersher highlights the rising pressure on FEMA due to climate change and the implications of proposed legislative changes. The conversation also addresses the effects of federal funding cuts on disaster preparedness, stressing the urgent need for a coordinated response to increasing climate-related disasters.

Join Alejandra Barunda, a climate reporter at NPR, alongside Rebecca Hersher and Lauren McGahee, as they dive into the deadly impacts of extreme heat. They share harrowing personal stories of vulnerable populations—like roofers in Florida and inmates in Texas prisons—highlighting systemic neglect and the urgent need for improved protections. The discussion questions which lives society prioritizes in the face of climate-driven tragedies and calls for accountability to prevent further loss.

Rebecca Hersher, an NPR Climate Desk correspondent, shares insights into the alarming predictions for this hurricane season. With NOAA forecasting 17 to 25 storms, she explains the factors driving this surge, including rising ocean temperatures and wind conditions. Hersher discusses the scientific mysteries in the Atlantic that complicate our understanding of climate change's impacts. The conversation underscores the necessity for preparedness and community engagement as we face unprecedented storm activity.

Rebecca Hersher, a climate reporter, explores the surprising link between melting Antarctic ice and hurricane risks in Galveston, Texas. She discusses how rapidly rising sea levels threaten coastal cities and complicate local disaster preparedness. Personal stories from Galveston's past reveal vulnerabilities against climate change, including the severe impact of the Great Storm of 1900. The conversation also touches on the unpredictability of hurricanes and offers a glimpse of hope amidst the chaos, highlighting the resilience of communities facing these challenges.

In this discussion, NPR climate correspondent Rebecca Hersher explores how our focus on the present impacts our responses to climate change. She highlights the struggle between immediate concerns and long-term goals, explaining how this bias can hinder both government and corporate decision-making. Hersher also shares insights on transforming personal experiences with climate disasters into proactive support for environmental policies. By tapping into our immediate realities, she believes we can mobilize more effective climate action.

Rebecca Hersher, an NPR climate correspondent, dives into the complexities of the social cost of carbon. She explains how this crucial figure, currently $51 but proposed to rise to $190 per ton, encapsulates the extensive damages from carbon emissions. Hersher discusses the ethical tightrope of valuing human life and environmental impacts in monetary terms. The conversation articulates the potential for this shift to reshape climate policy and the moral dilemmas tied to how we assess the cost of climate change on society.

Rebecca Hersher, an NPR climate correspondent, dives into the alarming rise in ocean temperatures and their connection to hurricane activity, specifically Hurricane Francine. She uncovers the role of climate change while exploring intriguing factors like volcanic eruptions and solar cycles that could also be contributing to warmer seas. The conversation highlights how these changes impact marine ecosystems and fisheries, revealing the intricate web of influences affecting our planet's climate.

Rebecca Hersher, a science reporter known for her insights on climate change, joins to discuss how extreme weather is affecting personal finances. She highlights a recent survey revealing that many people have faced financial strain due to floods, wildfires, and hurricanes. Hersher explains the hidden costs of these disasters and how insurance often falls short. Vulnerable communities, particularly those with lower incomes, experience exacerbated financial inequalities, making it crucial to consider resilient infrastructure and improved disaster management policies.