Wildfires
Planetizen has collected local and national news on a massive, ongoing environmental and infrastructure story in Northern California. There are maps to keep track of the scope of planned power outages.
The San Francisco Chronicle
At 25 cents an hour, Nevada City, California's meter rates weren't bringing in enough to pay the employees managing them. A fourfold increase will also help the town confront wildfire risk.
CityLab
In California, recovery after wildfires means many upfront investments by communities and the state.
The New York Times
Wildfires have caused the city’s air quality to plummet in recent years. The new shelters will give residents a break when the air is not fit to breathe.
CityLab
Setting insurance rates by looking to the past to predict the future doesn’t make sense with increasing environmental uncertainties, argues the California insurance industry.
Voice of San Diego
Urban water suppliers have had to learn quickly that fire ecology is a major concern in maintaining a secure water supply system.
Yale Environment 360
The Natural Resources Management Act enjoyed bipartisan support in both houses of Congress. But it left out contentious issues like wildfires, greenhouse gas emissions, and protecting wildlife corridors.
High Country News
Fuel breaks involve clearing vegetation that feeds fires in order to prevent the catastrophic and fast-spreading wildfires that have plagued the state.
The Mercury News
Pacific Gas and Electric has declared Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the face of "actual and potential" liability.
San Francisco Chronicle
PG&E announced that it is filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, facing $30 billion in liability after two years of catastrophic wildfires in the state of California.
The Mercury News
The planning history of Paradise, California is blamed for the destruction of the city in the Camp Fire. Can planners find new models for both limiting carbon emissions and preparing for the effects of climate change?
Los Angeles Times
With limited action at the state level, communities in vulnerable areas have launched their own local preparedness programs and plans.
The Los Angeles Times
Worldwide, natural disasters cost $155 billion in 2018, according to an insurance industry report.
The Washington Post
Paradise is the largest incorporated city west of the Mississippi River lacking a public sewer system. The town of of 27,000 relies on septic systems, now potentially damaged. Without sewers, multi-family housing construction becomes more difficult.
San Francisco Chronicle
The Tejon Ranch development would bring thousands of homes to a highly fire-prone area in L.A. County.
Los Angeles Times
A third straight summer spent in a haze of smoke from nearby wildfires is taking a psychological toll on Seattle residents. A political response is also taking shape.
CityLab
Energy stakeholders in California are watching five important bills to see which go forward with three weeks remaining in the legislative season. One would require the state to generate all electricity from renewable sources by 2045.
The Desert Sun
Houses that aren't vulnerable to embers blowing in the wind, could save the government and homeowners millions.
99 Percent Invisible
Fire season is back, and it's not safe to breathe in huge swaths of the world.
The Mercury News
Several years of catastrophic wildfires in Canada doesn't mean the risk has lessened. Experts predict much worse in the future.
The Star Vancouver
