Wildfires
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
The New York Times publishes an interactive feature that illustrates the stubbornness of natural disasters (or humans, in the face of natural disasters).
The New York Times
We've all seen the maps that show the water rising around the edges of costal and waterfront communities as sea-level rise and climate change take effect. A new report shows the effects that have already changed the state of California.
Sacramento Bee
California added 309,000 residents last year, an 8 percent drop compared to annual increases since 2010. The state added a net 85,000 housing units, accounting for losses to wildfires.
SF Gate
The second and third parts in resiliency expert Dave Hampton's 3-part series on what the California fires teach us about preparing for climate change.
UrbDeZine
With the state of California in the grips of its most destructive year of wildfires ever, policy makers are pondering questions about whether it is appropriate to rebuild in places at high risk of burning again.
Los Angeles Times
Santa Rosa is struggling to complying with two laws passed last year to encourage construction of inlaw units to increase affordable housing. Council members are concerned that loosened restrictions would degrade neighborhood character.
The Press Democrat
While forests sequester atmospheric carbon dioxide, wildfires release enormous amounts of greenhouse gases as they increase in frequency and intensity from climate change.
San Francisco Chronicle
