Rising Floods, Cuts To FEMA And Future Chaos

In this episode of Fresh Air, Tonya Mosley interviews investigative journalist Abrahm Lustgarten about his ProPublica article on the catastrophic floods in Central Texas and America's unpreparedness for climate change. Lustgarten discusses the increasing intensity and frequency of floods due to climate change, the impact of budget cuts to FEMA and the National Weather Service, and the broader implications for disaster response and climate resilience. They explore the role of FEMA, the challenges faced by local officials, and the economic consequences of climate change, including impacts on food supply and migration patterns. Lustgarten also touches on global efforts to address climate change and the potential for economic disadvantages for the U.S. due to its lack of participation.