Climate & Resilience
-
Courtesy of Climavision
AI, drones, private radar fill gaps from National Weather Service cuts
Private tech companies are stepping in to support local officials on the front lines of weather emergencies as federal offices struggle to stay staffed.
By Robyn Griggs Lawrence • May 30, 2025 -
David McNew via Getty Images
Congress votes to rescind California vehicle emissions waiver
Clean vehicle advocates say air quality and public health will suffer; auto and petroleum industry lobbyists supported the move to end California’s authority under the Clean Air Act.
By Dan Zukowski • May 29, 2025 -
Michael Swensen via Getty Images
With AI, post-tornado assessments could be ‘near-instantaneous’
Texas A&M researchers have developed a model that delivers comprehensive damage maps and recovery forecasts within hours of a storm.
By Robyn Griggs Lawrence • May 28, 2025 -
Megan Quinn/Smart Cities Dive
Federal grantees reckon with loss of ‘generational’ recycling funding under Trump
The administration has canceled or limited grant awardees’ ability to access federal funding, changing how plastics and organics recyclers view the federal government.
By Jacob Wallace • May 22, 2025 -
Loren Elliott via Getty Images
Reimagining ‘managed retreat’ in a new reality
As federal disaster support evaporates and climate risks intensify, officials and experts say cities should lead with community-centered, forward-looking solutions.
By Robyn Griggs Lawrence • May 20, 2025 -
Win McNamee via Getty Images
Republican budget squeezes out of House committee, but deeper IRA cuts could come
Deficit hawks voted to advance the legislation for now but said they negotiated for more cuts to clean energy incentives.
By Diana DiGangi • May 20, 2025 -
doug4537 via Getty Images
Thermal energy networks need municipal participation: report
Cities and other entities can develop neighborhood-scale thermal networks to lower greenhouse gas emissions, clean energy consultants say.
By Robyn Griggs Lawrence • May 16, 2025 -
Denis Tangney Jr via Getty Images
16 cities and counties fast-track sustainability through national initiative
The U.S. Green Building Council LEED for Cities program helps local leaders embed climate resilience and green infrastructure into city planning.
By Robyn Griggs Lawrence • May 14, 2025 -
Mario Tama via Getty Images
Policy, tax uncertainty holding back US clean energy development
Clean energy policy experts gathered at DC Climate Week said the current uncertainty around the U.S. tax and tariff environment is inhibiting the market.
By Lamar Johnson • May 12, 2025 -
Win McNamee via Getty Images
NOAA stops tracking cost of extreme weather and climate disasters
The data can't be replicated by city and state governments, scientists say.
By Robyn Griggs Lawrence • May 9, 2025 -
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images via Getty Images
Trump administration plans to end popular Energy Star program
The program has helped consumers save more than $500 billion in energy costs and 5 trillion kWh since it launched in 1992 under President George H.W. Bush.
By Robert Walton • May 8, 2025 -
Siarhei Khaletski via Getty Images
Urban tree-planting programs adapt to federal funding retraction
The Trump administration rescinded $75 million in federal grants for tree maintenance and planting in underserved neighborhoods. Cities and nonprofits are pivoting to state funding, collaboration and rule changes.
By Leslie Nemo • May 7, 2025 -
Andrew Harnik via Getty Images
Trump budget proposal slashes climate funding
Renewable energy, environmental justice and Superfund cleanup are among programs that would be eliminated.
By Robyn Griggs Lawrence • Updated May 5, 2025 -
Chip Somodevilla via Getty Images
3 cities join lawsuit challenging mass layoffs of federal workers
Unions, nonprofits and local governments allege the staff reductions threaten vital services and public safety.
By Robyn Griggs Lawrence • May 2, 2025 -
Scott Olson via Getty Images
Cities lose “critical guidance” from climate report: former NOAA official
The National Climate Assessment provides region-specific projections for infrastructure planning, budgeting and emergency preparedness.
By Robyn Griggs Lawrence • April 30, 2025 -
hallojulie via Getty Images
New policy resource helps cities finance and maintain tree canopies
Trees can mitigate the effects of urban heat islands, lower energy demand and reduce heat-related illnesses, the Smart Surfaces Coalition report states.
By Robyn Griggs Lawrence • April 28, 2025 -
David Dee Delgado via Getty Images
Nearly half of US residents breathe unhealthy air: report
American Lung Association officials call for city leaders to speak up for federal support of air quality research amid record pollution levels.
By Robyn Griggs Lawrence • April 23, 2025 -
Megan Varner via Getty Images
Atlanta to launch Climate Resilience Action Plan
The city plans to move forward even as federal support is uncertain and the plan’s focus on energy burden equity has put the program in the Trump administration’s crosshairs.
By Robyn Griggs Lawrence • April 21, 2025 -
Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
EPA confirms recycling, waste infrastructure grants on track for disbursement
EPA will move forward with awarding the second round of solid waste and recycling grants. The news comes after uncertainty over the status of numerous federal funding opportunities for the waste and recycling sectors.
By Megan Quinn • April 15, 2025 -
Kyle Rivas via Getty Images
Prepare now to protect urban forests from storms
As FEMA funding fades and disasters intensify, risk assessments, standing contracts and debris-management plans are crucial, one conservation director says.
By Robyn Griggs Lawrence • April 14, 2025 -
Jacob Wallace/Smart Cities Dive
New York City pauses curbside organics enforcement
The city issued tens of thousands of warnings before enforcement began on April 1, but Mayor Eric Adams has since paused that plan through the end of the year for most building owners.
By Jacob Wallace • Updated April 21, 2025 -
RoschetzkyIstockPhoto via Getty Images
Denver adds flexibility to building performance guidelines
Following public input, including some backlash from building owners, the new rules will push back compliance deadlines, remove electrification report requirements and reduce penalty rates, the city said.
By Joe Burns • April 9, 2025 -
Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
America’s aging water infrastructure faces new threats
The U.S. urgently needs to increase funding to shore up facilities, experts say, as climate change and emerging contaminants like PFAS pose growing threats.
By Julie Strupp • April 1, 2025 -
Spencer Platt via Getty Images
Preparing manufactured homes for extreme weather: 5 barriers
Zoning, financing and other regulations can leave this more affordable form of housing vulnerable. Some communities are addressing the risk.
By Leslie Nemo • April 1, 2025 -
CasarsaGuru via Getty Images
New Mexico occupational safety bureau advances heat safety rule
If passed, the state would be the sixth to implement its own heat-related guidance, after a federal standard appears to have lost steam.
By Zachary Phillips • March 31, 2025
