National (U.S.)

"Historic, Unforgiving Western Heat Wave Is Peaking And Crushing Records"

"A historically severe September heat wave is baking the West, breaking hundreds of records, posing a danger to public health and pushing California’s power grid to the limit. Some records have been shattered by wide margins as the scorching air mass exacerbates the fire danger in the drought-stricken region."

Source: Washington Post, 09/07/2022

"Climate Change Is Overwhelming US Flood Maps, FEMA Head Says"

"WASHINGTON — Flood maps used by the Federal Emergency Management Agency are out of date and understate the risks to homes and businesses from flooding and extreme rain triggered by climate change, FEMA Director Deanne Criswell said.

Those risks are in focus after flooding in Jackson, Mississippi, overwhelmed the city’s main water treatment plant a week ago, leaving more than 150,000 residents of the region without safe water. Ms. Criswell said there’s no timeline for restoring service to Jackson, the capital city.

Source: Bloomberg, 09/06/2022

Methane and Climate Change Toolbox

Levels of methane, a potent greenhouse gas, have doubled in the past 150 years due to human activity, particularly from fossil fuels and extensive farming. As part of an ongoing Society of Environmental Journalists special project focused on covering climate solutions, check out a methane resource toolbox and stay tuned for a methane reporting tipsheet in the coming weeks. Plus, watch the recording of an SEJ virtual webinar, Covering Climate Solutions: Containing and Monitoring Methane.

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Meeting the Challenge of Making More Money

A career as an environmental journalist can be fulfilling — but it can also leave you crying all the way to the bank. Freelance Files gets guidance from four veteran journalists who’ve made the money side of independent reporting work better for them. Plus, six top tips for earning more with your own journalism. No. 1: “Ask for more.”

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New Environmental Justice Index Helps ID Vulnerable Communities

Biden administration efforts to measure its response to environmental injustice have spurred the launch of a place-based database that scores individual communities on the issue. The latest Reporter’s Toolbox reviews the new government index and suggests that despite weaknesses, it is still useful as part of a suite of similar tools. Learn more about how to effectively use the new database.

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September 13, 2022

Interview a Scientist – Plastic Recycling

Reporters can book a 15-min interview with a plastic recycling expert from UC Berkeley, between 1:00-2:30 p.m. ET, on why some jurisdictions have suspended their recycling programs; what research says about the potential implications of state-level recycling legislation; impacts of single-use plastics; and more.

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