Wildfires
As drought conditions continue, the state is preparing for the possibility that the two dangerous public health and safety threats will overlap.
San Francisco Chronicle
California is being forced to reckon with numerous negative public health outcomes caused by wildfires.
The Conversation
Wildfires in California are getting both larger and more destructive. A simple but informative graphic from the San Francisco illustrates the scope of the destruction.
San Francisco Chronicle
An idea that is gaining support with the public as the state of California suffers through catastrophic fire season after catastrophic fire season is still a deeply difficult political proposition.
Los Angeles Times
About 350,000 residents have lost wildfire insurance in recent years, as a series of catastrophic fires have swept the state of California and insurance industry struggles to keep up with climate change.
The Conversation
Particulate matter air pollution has been on the rise since 2017, according to new research. Wildfires, economic activity, and lax regulation are potentially to blame.
Bloomberg
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
