In recent years, Binghamton University (BU) has made large strides in sustainability through energy-saving projects that align with Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and New York State Executive Order 88 standards, even being named one of Princeton Review’s top 50 green schools in 2023. Binghamton’s commitment to sustainability is further bolstered by its dedication to clean energy and sustainability research. To continue being a sustainability leader amongst universities, Binghamton must continue its progress by changing current practices that do not match its commitment to sustainability in other areas.

Following New York State’s executive orders in 2001, BU has incorporated sustainability and energy efficiency into the construction of building designs mainly through lighting and temperature controls. The university monitors energy use and building management with a centralized Energy Management System (EMS). According to the BU’s Office of Sustainability’s website, this system has been in use since 1984 and has grown in sophistication and size. Over 183,000 data points are being observed with the EMS, allowing individuals to control and program each building’s HVAC and lighting systems. The system is used to conserve energy when a building is unoccupied and maintains space temperature, humidity, and ventilation rates that meet sustainability needs. The New York State’s Public Service Commission (PSC) requires BU to reduce energy during load curtailment sessions, such as long breaks, excluding critical research spaces that experience slightly warmer temperatures. Solar panels are also an additional approach that the university takes towards meeting conservation demands. BU’s campus has multiple installations of solar panels across various residential and academic buildings, including the Susquehanna Apartments Community, the Information Technology Complex, and above the pay-by-space meter systems.

In 2013, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority gave the university a High-Performance Energy Efficiency award for the construction of the Engineering and Science Building. The structure uses geothermal heating and cooling, natural lighting, technology for heat recovery and humidity control, and passive solar energy with a 127-kilowatt installation on the facility’s roof. Its two-story photovoltaic wall contributes to research opportunities on solar technology, which is developed in both the Center for Autonomous Solar Power and the Center for Advanced Microeconomics Manufacturing. The Engineering and Science building was also rated LEED Platinum. In addition to the Engineering and Science building, many other LEED-certified structures on campus have earned sustainability achievements, mainly newer construction and major renovation projects at BU. These buildings have been constructed to LEED silver or higher ranking. The buildings that have earned LEED Silver include the University Downtown Center, Newing College’s Bingham Hall, and the Chenango Collegiate Center. Newing College’s Broome, Endicott, and Delaware halls, Dickinson Community’s Johnson, O’Connor, Rafuse, and Digman halls, as well as the Innovative Technologies Complex’s Center of Excellence are all rated LEED Gold.

Between 2001 and 2002, the university conducted a campus-wide energy audit which introduced numerous energy-saving opportunities. These projects were implemented in 2003 and used mostly in-house resources. The energy efficiency programs continued until 2006 with BU’s senior administration finding funds that were allocated towards future projects. According to a presentation by Sandy DeJohn, the assistant director for utilities and mechanical systems,  over $10 million has been invested with over $15 million in savings. When Executive Order 88 was issued by Governor Cuomo, BU set a goal to focus on reducing Source Energy Use Intensity (EUI) which is the amount of raw fuel used to generate electricity or heat consumed by end users. The current strategy for heating includes the installation of high-efficiency gas boilers to decentralize portions of the heating load. The university plans on gradually transitioning from fossil fuel-based heating to high efficiency electric-based heating.

Binghamton University has also invested heavily in sustainability research in hopes of becoming a global leader in sustainability. Notably, the Transdisciplinary Area of Excellence (TAE) in Smart Energy supports extensive research in solar and thermoelectric energy, as well as improvements in energy efficiency, storage, and management. The TAE also works on projects going beyond energy research, looking into supporting sustainable communities from many perspectives with the overall goal of educating the next generation in the practices and skills needed to foster sustainable communities. For example, the TAE sponsors projects focusing on ecosystem and forest sustainability as well as projects focusing on the sustainability of local communities through a social and economic lens. The TAE has proposed using $110 million worth of grants to build a battery technology and manufacturing center in Endicott, NY, supporting sustainable practices and economic growth in the area. Binghamton University was also awarded a Seed Grant for the 2023-2024 school year which will “stimulate the advancement of new ideas that can build Binghamton University’s expertise toward a national reputation in the broad area of sustainable communities” through research funding. The University has also dedicated a facility to research of the lithium-ion battery, a form sustainable energy used in modern electronics, developed in part through research by BU Professor Stanley Whittingham. These efforts lead to BU being ranked #1 Top Performer in Sustainability Research by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) in 2020. Research efforts sponsored by the University not only support a cleaner campus, but also sustainable changes in a larger, global scientific community. 

Beyond research and building construction, the University’s sustainability practices can best be analyzed by its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and energy use efficiency. GHG emissions are summarized in three scopes: scope 1 is defined by direct emissions from sources owned by an entity, scope 2 includes indirect emissions such as from purchased heat, electricity, and cooling, and scope 3 includes all other emissions. In 2023, Binghamton University had a total of 37,560 metric tons of CO₂ emissions- 19,865.58 metric tons from scope 1, 7,624.40 from scope 2, and 10,071 from scope 3. For reference, the average carbon emissions of households in major cities in the United States range from about 17 metric tons to 29 metric tons per year. The average carbon emissions of households across the United States is about 7 metric tons per year. Assuming a small city has somewhere around 5000 households, a small city would produce around 35000 metric tons of CO₂. Considering these values, Binghamton University produces the same amount of carbon as about 5,366 US households, about the size of a small city. These values are on par with what is expected considering the student population as well as the number of buildings and facilities making up the university.

In 2010, the average carbon emissions for institutions of higher education in the US was 52,434 metric tons. Furthermore, between 2013 and 2020, many major institutions, including Cornell University and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), saw increases in carbon emissions of upwards of 24,000 metric tons. So, even though the average carbon emissions of higher education institutions have increased since 2010, Binghamton University remains below the average of the past. In March 2023, Binghamton University earned a gold rating from the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS) which lasts until April 2026. STARS is “a transparent, self-reporting framework for colleges and universities to measure their sustainability performance.” This rating encompasses several categories, the broadest of which include academics, engagement, planning and administration, as well as innovation and leadership. Within these categories, universities also report research efforts, water and energy use, waste production, food and dining, purchasing and investment, and transportation. Out of 360 schools with reports, 175 earned gold rankings (49%). In comparison, Binghamton University ranks equal to or better than many other mid-sized universities. The University of Vermont and the University at Albany (UAlbany) are examples of other mid-size universities with gold rankings. The University of Vermont had an annual total of 40,786 metric tons of CO₂ in 2023 while University at Albany had a total of 50,579 metric tons of CO₂ emissions. Schools with similar populations that earned lower rankings include Ohio University (in 2021, 130,845 metric tons of CO₂ emitted) and Syracuse University (in 2022, 58,310 metric tons of CO₂ emitted) which earned silver rankings. Further, the University of New Hampshire, another mid-size university, emitted a total of 81,197 metric tons of CO₂ and earned a platinum rating, demonstrating how the rankings depend on more than emissions alone.

Based on the above values, Binghamton University has relatively low carbon emissions, meaning an improved sustainability ranking must come from other areas. There are a few notable areas where Binghamton University earned low STARS scores: clean and renewable energy (scored 0.05/4.00), food and beverage purchasing (scored 0.92/6.00), and building operations and maintenance (scored 2.00/5.00). The clean and renewable energy STARS category focuses on the percentage of total energy consumption that comes from renewable sources. Out of 574,432 MMBtu (metric million British thermal units) consumed by BU in 2023, only 432 MMBtu (less than one-tenth of a percent) came from clean and renewable energy sources. Considering this is one of the lowest STARS scores Binghamton earned, the university’s sustainability efforts would greatly be improved by adding new clean and renewable energy infrastructure. The food and beverage purchasing category primarily assesses the percentage and inventory of sustainably and ethically produced foods and plant-based foods purchased. Zero percent of food and beverage purchased by BU in 2023 was sustainably or ethically sourced and only about 30 percent was plant-based. BU has a $10 million or more budget for dining services and its sustainability rating would increase by investing more of this budget in more sustainable food purchasing. Finally, the building operations and maintenance category takes into account the total square footage of the building area and the total area of buildings that have earned sustainable operations and management certifications. Binghamton University does not have any of these certifications but was awarded credit for other sustainable management practices such as a green cleaning program reducing the use of toxic chemicals and a water use management program aiming to limit water use on campus. These lower-scoring categories are ideal places for Binghamton University to focus on improving sustainability. 

Binghamton University has an overall sustainability ranking that is better than about 50% of other schools in the STARS system and has been awarded many accolades for leading sustainability research, but it is still important for the university to initiate changes to become more sustainable because universities are key players for leading clean energy initiatives. Higher education institutions are places of innovation and invention, and a commitment to clean energy practices and education instills sustainability values into the next generation of educators, researchers, and leaders. Because colleges and universities manage small areas of land themselves through independent governments, making these changes is fast and effective. For example, Georgetown University was able to convert its campus to 100% renewable energy six years ahead of its predicted date, demonstrating how a targeted effort can produce quick, lasting results. It is the responsibility of higher education institutions to promote and invest in sustainable practices not only for accolades and prestige but also to create a better future for generations beyond. 

When it comes to sustainable energy management, the university does a great deal to ensure trends like energy efficiency and water usage are examined and supervised to meet the needs of the state. By committing to enhance sustainability practices, BU leads by example amongst other institutions, highlighting the importance of having environmentally safe practices and policies. With its achievements and recognition, the university addresses critical areas for improvement across a growing campus. DeJohn shared that the cleanest energy is the energy not used. The presentation emphasized that turning off electronics and appliances used by 18,000 students and 2,300 faculty and staff could lower 3-5% of the campus’ electricity consumption, exercising the importance of clean energy. It continued to state that the university’s efforts need to focus on locally available resources and clean or renewable heating fuels. These efforts would ensure Binghamton will continue to keep its commitment to sustainability and help improve lacking areas. Binghamton University’s significant strides towards an ecologically sound campus is one to take note of and the university’s progress towards reducing energy consumption can be seen through their research initiatives, building management, and energy efficiency projects. Increased efforts in areas such as food and energy purchasing will solidify Binghamton University as the leader in sustainability it strives to be. 

October 25, 2024

As most people reading this may know, hurricanes Helene and Milton devastated the southeastern United States, especially south and central Florida in Fall 2024, causing over a whopping $53 billion (cr. Al Jazeera) and $21-$34 billion respectively (cr. CoreLogic). They leveled thousands of buildings and homes, flooded streets and caused the deaths of hundreds of people. These natural disasters ultimately devastated the lives of thousands of southeastern Americans last month.

Flooded streets of Tarpon, FL after Hurricane Helene hit. Photo: Joe Raedle/Getty

Map of Hurricane Milton, courtesy of Sarasota Harold Tribune

Hurricanes have devastated the southeastern region of the United States for decades. More recently. Hurricanes have picked up in frequency at an alarming rate. In the past few weeks, two major hurricanes, Hurricane Milton and Hurricane Helene made landfall in the southeast as category 4 and category 3 storms, respectively. A new hurricane, Nadine, is expected to make landfall within the coming days as well. Hurricane Nadine would be the 10th hurricane of the 2024 Atlantic season. 

A hurricane is defined as “a tropical cyclone with winds of 74 miles (119 kilometers) per hour or greater that is usually accompanied by rain, thunder, and lightning, and that sometimes moves into temperate latitudes.” Hurricanes have caused over $1.3 trillion in damages since 1980, and have also been the most frequent natural disaster in the United States since 2000. They are especially prevalent and dangerous in Florida, which is why Florida holds the title of “the hurricane capital of the United States.”

There is one suspect, climate change. Hurricanes have greatly increased in strength over the years, and climate change can be blamed. Hurricanes form from the ocean surface as warm, moist air rises and causes winds to start spinning. The greater the temperature, the greater the energy the winds can gather. With climate change bringing increased temperatures, hurricanes are able to grow in strength as more energy is gathered from the hotter waters. Warmer temperatures also allow the atmosphere to hold more moisture, which leads to greater rainfall and greater flooding. The warmer temperatures additionally cause glaciers and ice sheets to melt, rising sea levels. These rising sea levels contribute to greater storm surges and catastrophic coastal flooding, on top of higher wind speeds, creating hurricanes capable of much greater damage. 

Housing insurance is one big issue arising from increasing hurricane frequency and strength. October’s Hurricane Milton alone cost insurers from $30-$50 million in losses. Hurricane Ian in 2022 cost insurers $60 billion in insured losses. These huge numbers have left insurance companies to be more wary. Many have changed their policies including Progressive, which stated they will not renew current insurance policies. Citizens Property Insurance Corporation, a state-backed non-profit company, has had to step up as the new largest insurance provider in the state. It was supposed to be the last-resort option, however due to large companies backing out of Florida and changing their policies to make getting housing insurance harder, Citizens Property Insurance Corporation has become the only option for many. Last month, there were 1.3 policies in motion, which is three times the amount it was five years ago. However, even Citizens has exceptions: individuals can only qualify if “the lowest quote they get from a private insurer is more than 20% greater than the Citizens’ quote” and their home is valued under $700,000. Citizens cannot sustain themselves even with these exceptions due to the influx of customers, and they are one storm away from not being able to pay back the losses. Moreover, even those who have insurance are facing complications and confusion, as those with home insurance are getting their insurance claims denied if they do not also have flood insurance. 

Total losses from hurricanes have topped the charts as the highest damage weather disaster since 1980. On average, each hurricane brings $22.8 billion in losses. Not only do hurricanes bring damage costs, but they bring additional costs such as medical expenses, evacuation costs, and income losses. Hurricane Michael devastated Florida’s panhandle in 2018, especially Bay county. 22,000 people lost their homes and a year after the storm, 5,000 people were still without a home. Evacuation costs have increased to a range stemming from $1,500 to $3,000. This includes gas, hotels, and so many more associated costs which have people even in mandatory evacuation zones staying in their homes to avoid these costs. People may also stay in their homes if they choose to believe climate change is not as real as scientists claim it to be, however the increasing severity of storms says otherwise. Choosing to stay has many costs as well, as homeowners have to buy hurricane shutters, flashlights, water, and canned food in preparation for potential power outages lasting days to weeks.

This all being said, it is important for homeowners to understand the risks of living in Florida. It will come with increased costs for storm preparation including hurricane shutters and evacuation costs. Most importantly comes the risk of losing your home, either due to flooding or high winds. High winds can also bring tornadoes, as seen recently with tornadoes brought upon by hurricane Milton. These natural disasters are picking up in power and it is important to be aware of the risks when assessing future moves or current housing situations

Figure 1. The all time high (inflation-adjusted) tropical storm damage cost was in 2021, totaling at a shocking $200,000 million.

Every August through October, the southeastern United States prepares for hurricane season by raiding grocery stores, buying generators, and boarding windows. This year, these preparations would not have been enough to survive. Nowadays, fleeing, evacuating, and moving out of storm zones are the only guaranteed survival methods. 

Hurricanes, the most destructive type of tropical cyclones, have not been an unknown danger to the Gulf Coast. The coastal waters of Florida are the most susceptible to floods, high winds, and power outages related to tropical cyclones. This has all been a known fact. The most infamous hurricane for displacing and destroying the Gulf Coast region was Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Effects were felt all along the East Coast towards the New York area. Isn’t it a little concerning that the multiple hurricanes of 2024 have been comparable to the rare and destructive occurrence of Katrina? There must be an underlying issue at hand.

Climate change is an impending crisis that many people shrug off because it’s “not real”, which is scientifically untrue. Man-made activities are the main cause of long-term changes in weather patterns. The sea level has risen about eight inches from the 19th century, the highest global surface air temperature has increased nearly three degrees from the mid-20th century, and ocean temperatures are rising. These seemingly insignificant changes have led to mass destruction with the formation of hurricanes. Hurricanes thrive off of warm tropical waters, gaining strength and intensity rapidly. Climate change’s warm oceans and humid air is a hurricane’s specialty, but a recipe for disaster for Americans. 

Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton were two of the most intensified tropical cyclones of 2024. For instance, Hurricane Milton’s wind speed surpassed meteorologists’ standard measures of hurricane winds. Not to mention, the southeastern United States was just battered by Hurricane Helene shortly before Milton’s appearance. Soaring death rates were inevitable. The abnormally warm waters in the Gulf of Mexico cause this rapid intensification, fueling the movement of a tropical cyclone through the southeastern United States. Faster and stronger storm formations give communities less time to prepare or flee in a sudden life-or-death situation. 

Climate change does not necessarily increase the frequency of tropical cyclones. However, each hurricane season the storms that are projected to be “small” are quickly aligning with the characteristics of massive storms. Communities that are unprepared for these life-threatening storm surges are left victim to mass destruction. A direct correlation to climate change is the death toll of these massive storms. Being unprepared and unaware of a hurricane’s strength will lead to injury and death. 

Northern Florida communities were left in a dire situation after Helene and Milton. Inland communities were subjected to the landslides, flooding, and harsh winds that the coastal communities are usually prepared for. Tornadoes have been forming on the outer bands of cyclones more frequently, an issue that generally doesn’t persist outside of the “Tornado Valley” region. The power of the storm surge has also been unfathomable as of recently. Most of the recent hurricane-related deaths are from drowning, as homes and cars are taken adrift in fast and deep waters. 

Hurricane-related deaths increase even after a hurricane has left a community in shambles. The clean-up and recovery process puts first responders and the stranded in a life-threatening situation. Strong winds leave live wires in the flood, where electrocution is imminent if one’s not careful. These recently “supercharged” storms have drawn out the excessive clean-up process, posing more threats to the lives of a community. Rapidly intensified cyclones leave southeast states in ruins long after a storm has done its job.

This leaves an obvious question unanswered, “Why don’t communities just evacuate the storm-infected areas?” Many factors come into play in this situation, such as expenses, locations, and personal items. However, ignorance of climate change can constitute one’s hesitation to flee. In a conservative South, the conversation about climate change is minimal. Many individuals ignore the advice of proficient meteorologists, riding out monstrous storms that project low survival rates in certain areas. 

Ignorance factors into the increasing death tolls of hurricanes rummaging through the south. Although residing in Florida means generally warmer weather year-round, being unaware of the risks of inhabiting such a targeted area is dangerous. Newcomers will be less prepared than the Florida veterans who truly understand what hurricane season entails.

The newfound factors that need to be considered each hurricane season pose a substantial risk to individuals’ lives. As climate change persists, hurricane-related issues will only increase in severity and scope. 

Figure 2. Hurricanes hit Florida the most frequently around the years 2005 and 2022, and the least frequently around 1980, 1990, and 2010.

Figure 3. The damage cost spiked in 1990, the highest yearly cost until 2005, whose cost totaled to over $50,000 US dollars. The lowest cost was in the year 2000, totaling to around $2,500.

Data charts by Grace McKissock and Amelia Oakley

Articles written by Nicole Diaczun and Erica Kerman

Data visualization powered by Google Colab using R language.

Edited by Humza Chaudhri

Works Cited:

• “Hurricane.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, Inc., www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hurricane. Accessed 27 Oct. 2024.

• Bowers, John. “Hurricane Milton, Helene Insurance Nightmares Torment Florida Residents.” NBC News, 12 Oct. 2024, www.nbcnews.com/business/consumer/hurricane-milton-helene-insurance-nightmares-torment-florida-residents-rcna175088. Accessed 27 Oct. 2024.

• Rojas, J. “Citizens Insurance Faces Pressure After Hurricane Milton.” CNN, 11 Oct. 2024, www.cnn.com/2024/10/11/business/citizens-insurance-hurricane-milton/index.html. Accessed 27 Oct. 2024.

• “Hurricane Costs.” National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NOAA, coast.noaa.gov/states/fast-facts/hurricane-costs.html. Accessed 27 Oct. 2024.

• Gonzalez, Enrique, et al. “Hurricane Michael: The Challenge of Financial Recovery from Disasters.” Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, July 2023, esg.wharton.upenn.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Hurricane-Michael-The-Challenge-of-Financial-Recovery-from-Disasters.pdf. Accessed 27 Oct. 2024.

• Li, Jane. “Hurricane Milton Could Cause $50 Billion in Losses, Fitch Says.” Business Insider, 11 Oct. 2024, www.businessinsider.com/hurricane-milton-insurance-fitch-50-billion-losses-2024-10. Accessed 27 Oct. 2024.

• McCarthy, Niall. “Are Major Natural Disasters Increasing?” Statista, 15 Jan. 2024, www.statista.com/study/95060/natural-disasters-overview/. Accessed 27 Oct. 2024.
• “How Much Damage Have Natural Disasters Been Causing?” World Economic Forum, 20 Sept. 2024, www.weforum.org/agenda/2024/09/natural-disasters-damage-statistics/. Accessed 27 Oct. 2024.
• Kauffman, Katie. “Milton Is the Hurricane That Scientists Were Dreading.” The Atlantic, 12 Oct. 2024, www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2024/10/hurricane-milton-scientists-worry/673282/. Accessed 27 Oct. 2024.
• “Natural Disasters Stats.” Specialty Fuel Services, 2024, www.specialtyfuels.com/natural-disaster-statistics. Accessed 27 Oct. 2024.
• Baird, Michael. “Another Major Hurricane Is Approaching Florida, One of the Most Rapidly Intensifying on Record.” The Verge, 10 Oct. 2024, www.theverge.com/2024/10/10/hurricane-florida-approaching. Accessed 27 Oct. 2024.
• “Climate Change Is Affecting Hurricanes.” National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 2024, www.noaa.gov/climate-change/hurricanes. Accessed 27 Oct. 2024.
• Wooten, David. “Tropical Storm Helene Death Toll, Missing People in Western NC.” Raleigh News & Observer, 13 Oct. 2024, www.newsobserver.com/news/weather-news/article274221265.html. Accessed 27 Oct. 2024.

Almost 50 years ago, Nicole Cook’s stepfather built their family house in Mariposa County, proud of his work as it was built with square domes. It was a six bedroom house with a kitchen in one dome and the bedrooms in another, which Cook’s stepfather was proud of because the house “wasn’t a square box.” However, on July 22, 2022 the Oak Fire was sparked, a tragic wildfire that would grow to be California’s largest fire. The Oak Fire burned around 20,000 acres of land and destroyed an estimated 127 homes. One of them was Cook’s hand-built pride and joy.

So far in 2024, 7,026 wildfires burned 1,013,960 acres of California land according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. While that is only 1% of California’s size, there is a continual increase in the number of wildfires and irreparable damage that is being done.

The main cause is climate change where there are periods of high temperatures and drought during El Nino and La Nina years that provide the perfect conditions for wildfires to start and spread. The vegetation is more easily ignited during June and fire spreads more rapidly during July to September. Those conditions combined with the poor water infrastructure of California, lead to fires not being contained/put out as quickly or effectively, thereby causing more damage. 

There are many families and communities that are suffering in the aftermath of wildfires. Let’s take a look at the situation the people of Mariposa have found themselves in, including the aforementioned Cook family.

The Cook family and the majority of Mariposa County residents are examples of “climate migrants,”a position of struggle that displaces and sometimes even separates families. Following the Oak Fire, Cook’s parents left their pile of ashes to move to Bass Lake, while the siblings were separated and staying with family. The PBS report states that Cook “isn’t sure what her parents will do next,” and that the residents are having trouble finding places to rent. Cook even stated “What is there going to be in place for [the impacted]? Because I know for a fact that my parents aren’t the only ones in this situation.” 

The people of Mariposa, as well as other communities who were displaced by wildfires, face a pressing question: what should we do next? PBS cites researchers who have coined the term “climate migrants” to refer to these people displaced by the record breaking wildfires that predominantly swept California and the West. 

While fire departments have done what they can, citizens are largely left to go through what they can salvage from the destruction the Oak Fire left behind. The Cook family lost important paperwork in the fire, and did not have time to rescue their two cats, who have not been found.

A major issue that climate migrants are facing is housing instability due to natural disasters like wildfires. In the last few years devastating fires have destroyed thousands of structures and burned millions of acres in California, with just over 31,000 homes lost since 2017. 

On top of this, Anne Junod of the Urban Institute’s Metropolitan Housing and Communities Policy Center goes further into the impact of wildfires on families like the Cooks, explaining how there are psychological factors that stay with a person who had such great losses, which can add up financially and emotionally long term.

They are one of the many families that lost their homes to wildfires and there will be many more stories like that. According to pbs, “It’s expected that the wildfire risk across the country and much of the West will grow to threaten roughly 79.8 million homes by 2050.”

The Cooks didn’t have it so bad at least compared to the Diaz- Hunter family who lost much more. They had 1600 acres of land, a home with three rentals, a trail ride business, and all their equipment. These all burned down due to the Oak fire and they have to start anew. They started a GoFundMe to help cover quarter of a million dollars in equipment, rebuilding and rental expenses, and they raised $1,780. The amount they are asking for is large, but it is just one out of 130 families affected, and only one fire out of the 7,477 that happened in 2022.

As you can see there are large fiscal impacts of wildfire. From 2017 to 2021, the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation estimates that average annual losses totaled over $117.4 billion. The numbers include property damage, labor market disruptions and losses of life. But they also say that if response times were reduced, the fires could be contained 15 minutes faster, they could generate $150 to $350 million in fiscal benefits, which is only 3-7% but still a large amount of money. Firefighters can only get to a fire so fast but they have methods like rapid deployment and improved coordination between all fire response agencies because every minute counts. But instead of just focusing on reducing response times, there is a focus to reduce the number of fires in the first place. But there is a surprising cause of 10% to 15% of them.

Edward Frederick Wackerman was the man responsible for the Oak Fire that destroyed the Cooks and 126 other family homes. He was arrested last year and placed in Mariposa County jail for aggravated arson and arson that caused great bodily injury. Although there were five major wildfires that swept California in the summer of 2022, none were as destructive as the Oak Fire, which wreaked havoc during late July to early August. Historically hot and arid conditions in California provided ample conditions for the fire to take off, however sheriffs and law enforcement chose to decline answering how and why Wackerman started the blaze. The fire was finally contained on August 5th, with over 2,000 firemen working on diminishing it. According to NBC, about 10% to 15% of California’s wildfires are ignited by arson each year and this year; nearly half of the 1 million acres burned in the state were because of arsonists like Wackerman. Other names are Ronnie Dean Stout II: 430,000 acres, Spencer Grant Anderson: 3,789 acres, and Justin Wayne Halstenberg: 39,000 acres. 

There are legal consequences for arson, but it is hard to prosecute, especially during hot dry seasons. It is hard to find evidence when most of it is burned away but sometimes arsonists leave evidence or signs behind. But something to consider is: Is time in prison enough punishment for causing the loss of thousands to hundreds of thousands of acres of land, hundreds of homes, and millions of dollars in damages?

Of course there are wildfires that are caused by other human activities that aren’t harshly punished. Simple activities like mowing the lawn or tossing a cigarette are the reason why people are responsible for 95% of California’s wildfires. One famous example is the 2018 Mendocino Complex fire that was caused by sparks from a hammer. The Mendocino Complex Fire, composed of two separate fire incidents being the Ranch Fire and River Fire, destroyed hundreds of thousands acres of land and hundreds of structures, devastating the Mendocino and Lake Counties in California. It has been found that the Ranch Fire was caused by a spark from a hammer being used to drive a metal stake into the ground by a property owner. The spark grew out of control, and the owner, despite multiple attempts and ways of trying to extinguish the flame, was unsuccessful in stopping it. Conditions like dry vegetation, wind, and heat in California allowed the fire to spread rapidly. As the Ranch fire tore through Mendocino County, firefighters were wounded and there was one fatality amongst them. Overall, the numbers from the Mendocino Complex Fire are alarming and highlight the detrimental effects of wildfires. 459,123 acres were burned, 280 structures were destroyed, and the fire was active for 160 days, to name a few. 7 out of 10 of the largest California wildfires have occurred in the past five years, which speaks to their severity. 

There are many actions being taken by the government to prevent these wildfires like prescribed fires, vegetation management, and educating the public. But there is only so much they can do to prevent it. They can’t control climate change, the weather conditions, or the many serial arsonists they have. But for the people living in places at wildfire risk can take precautions to prevent their home from burning in the next Oak Fire. Some actions include: building with fire-resistant materials, creating a defensible space (space between vegetation and their property), looking into controlled burns, and more.

Climate Crisis Impacts

As destruction tears through the Eastern coast of the United States, the harm is far more than people realize. The most recent natural disaster, Hurricane Milton, has left cities and towns in ruin; although, after Hurricane Helene, there was not much left to destroy.

Throughout the last decade, the climate crisis has continued to escalate with hopes of communicating the urgency and drastic measures that must be taken in order to stop the increasing effect of climate change and greenhouse gas emissions on our planet. Humans contribute greatly to the emission of greenhouse gasses into our atmosphere through the continuous burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, industrial manufacturing, and agricultural processes that increase the release of greenhouse gasses, otherwise known as “heat-trapping” gasses that is a direct result of human activities (NCA).

Atmospheric temperatures are rising in tandem with ocean temperatures as oceans absorb increased amounts of heat that raise the sea surface temperature.

The changes of the overall temperature of the ocean has many effects on the plants and animals that depend on the aquatic ecosystem – endangering the habitat and ecosystems of ocean life as a whole (EPA).

This issue extends further than the water, and makes landfall in our communities all over the world. 

The warming climate insinuates many climate issues that fuel and encourage the presence of natural disasters such as hurricanes through the presence of warmer ocean temperatures, more humid atmospheric air and higher wind speeds – the perfect trio (Planet). It is reported that before Hurricane Helene, the Gulf of Mexico’s water temperature was 3.6 times higher than average, causing a boost in wind speeds and an increased amount of rainfall (AP News). This boost in wind speeds and rainfall in turn caused catastrophic damage to homes and towns alike. In addition, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, from 1980-2023 the average number of natural disasters is 8.5 events annually; from 2019-2023 the average number of natural disasters is 20.4 events annually (NOAA). Natural Disasters such as wildfires, severe storms, and winter storms continuously increase where the American Red Cross is responding today to twice as many disasters as 10 years ago (Am. Red Cross).

The risk of more severe tropical activity is one that has been monitored and predicted for a while. The NOAA predicted an “above-normal” hurricane season in the Atlantic back in May (NOAA), citing nearly record-breakingly high ocean temperatures as a major contributing factor. These temperatures are expected to rise consistently-long term due to the burning of fossil fuels, which are adding greenhouse gasses to the atmosphere and trapping heat near the Earth’s surface (NYT). Deeper warm water provides more energy to fuel hurricanes, causing them to increase in intensity as they move faster and farther than in previous years. 

The frequency of hurricanes has not escalated as a result of the increasingly evident climate crisis; however, the intensity of these tropical cyclones has become catastrophic (NPR). Scientists report that the increasing atmospheric temperatures caused by climate change may actually be decreasing the total number of storms- but the storms that do form are likely to be more intense. Tom Knutson’s research finds that more storms will make landfall in the US as a Category 4 or 5 by 2030. Reiterating the fact that hurricanes while they may not be more frequent and becoming significantly more dangerous (The Atlantic).

Residents who live in these areas tell their own story on these most recent hurricanes: 

The damage and impact of Hurricane Helene hit our area pretty hard. We’ve had our share of bad storms and hurricanes to pass through Augusta, but this experience in a first hand account was unimaginable”  

@Minimarie Writes and Speaks

Potentially the most powerful hurricane in recorded human history on its way with airports, & civilian airspace alike closed for an entire coastline…However, this time watching first hand Floridians prepare for yet another storm of the century, seeing gas stations close with my own eyes, flights fill up with frightening speed as did all of the interstates & rental cars evaporation have forever altered my perspective”

@Richard Rowland

The gas shortages are so wild… there was an issue at the Tampa port and I guess it backed everything up. There are so many people losing gas on the side of the road or losing gas waiting in line to get gas. People can’t run their generators without gas… it’s so crazy. Fights are breaking out at the gas stations, you’ve got people waiting in their cars for hours and hours and hours… it just feels so apocalyptic.”

@Jessheavenlyhomeschool

We are okay… but we are honestly traumatized… go back to my last video where we heard something fall onto the house. Literally the scariest moment of my life. We had no idea what it was or what was going on until the next morning.”

@Jessheavenlyhomeschool

How are hurricanes becoming more dangerous and destructive? 

There are many different ways that one can characterize a natural disaster- the initial category derived from the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, based on the maximum wind speed that the hurricane can sustain but does not take into consideration other potential deadly hazards like rainfall, flooding and storm surges (NHC), and additionally the cost of the disaster. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is responsible for calculating the costs of these natural disasters through the destruction of homes and buildings, damage to vehicles, damage to public infrastructure, damage to agriculture, and costs involved with people losing their homes and jobs. While all storms and natural disasters cause damage and have significant impacts on communities and citizens, tropical cyclones are proven to be the costliest, both in finances and in lives lost (USA Facts). In 2024 alone, there have been 20 natural disaster events with costs of over $1 Billion for each event excluding the most recent Hurricanes, Helene and Milton (NOAA). 

How to Prepare

Hurricanes may not be happening more often, but their damage is at an all-time high. Residents should be aware of the effect of climate change on natural disasters and further efforts to counteract and prepare for the overwhelming effects of these current natural disasters on their communities. “Taking a proactive approach to our increasingly challenging climate landscape today can make a difference in how people can recover tomorrow,” says FEMA Deputy Administrator Erik A. Hooks, stressing the importance of preventative measures such as fortifying homes, checking up on insurance and documenting possessions such as photos and serial numbers that could be needed to file a claim. 

Following Hurricane Debby, a category 1 storm that hit the Southeastern United States in August of this year, 77% of Florida homeowners with Citizens Property Insurance were denied claims despite the company being state-backed (News 4). The storm was responsible for an estimated $1.4 billion in damages despite comparatively low wind speeds. $440 million of that damage was attributed to inland flooding, which Citizens does not cover. A spokesman of the company told News 4, a local Jacksonville news outlet, that “Citizens, like most other insurers, doesn’t cover flood.” 

Bridging Insurance Gaps and Financial Preparedness

Because ordinary insurance policies like Citizens usually exclude flood damage, many homeowners are subject to financial hardship during hurricanes. Separate flood insurance policies can provide crucial measures for protection as storms cause increased inland flooding, flash floods and seasonal storm surges. According to FEMA, “floods—including inland flooding, flash floods, and flooding from seasonal storms—occur in every region of the United States… in fact, 90 percent of all natural disasters in the U.S. involve some type of flooding,” illustrating the increasingly relevant need for comprehensive coverage. To make it easier to recover from possible losses, FEMA advises creating a financial safety net in addition to insurance, such as setting aside emergency funds for unforeseen storm-related costs.

Developing Resilience

While preparation is imperative, long-term measures to combat climate change and lessen the underlying causes of these catastrophes are just as important. Reducing climate hazards can lessen the frequency and intensity of damage caused by weather. To assist in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, it is crucial to reduce dependency on fossil fuels, support renewable energy sources, and preserve buffering natural environments such as mangroves and wetlands.

Proactive remedies are already being implemented in communities around the United States. For instance, in order to assist flood damage, new building standards in Miami mandate higher elevations for new development. In a similar vein, North Carolina coastal municipalities are using natural materials to create “living shorelines” that better shield their properties from storm surges (NCSU). FEMA encourages people to support local efforts to create long-term resilience while it works to modify its own risk assessment procedures to better incorporate the reality of climate change.

Community Awareness and Action

Individuals and families must keep informed when adjusting to climate change. The American Red Cross and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) are two trustworthy organizations that provide helpful preparedness guidelines specific to severe weather occurrences. Self-education and involvement in community preparedness activities, such as emergency drills and resilience training, can offer readiness and peace of mind.

Communities are better equipped to handle the problems posed by climate change when significant actions are taken, whether through community activism, home preparations, or lobbying for legislative reforms that promote renewable energy and environmental preservation. As we enter a period of more intense storms, it is more crucial than ever to work together to protect our homes, communities, and future.