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The 2022 Atlantic hurricane season has been quiet so far, but historically it’s been a week of major storms.

One of the most devastating storms in U.S. history, Hurricane Andrew made landfall in Florida this week 30 years ago. A Category 5 Hurricane with sustained winds of 165 mph, Andrew caused nearly $26 billion in damage, destroyed more than 50,000 homes, and changed the public’s perception of hurricanes.

Cities in South Florida quickly updated their building codes and began enforcing them more forcefully.The state currently has several Strongest code in Japan.

Dramatically improved hurricane forecasts, helps people escape harm before a storm. According to the National Hurricane Center, tracking accuracy improved by 75% and intensity prediction improved by 50%.

‘Seriously underprepared’

But since the 1980s, hurricanes have longer, more often, harderScientists believe that climate change caused by emissions from burning fossil fuels make big storms more extreme It also causes storm surges due to rising sea levels.

Andrew was the deadliest hurricane in U.S. history until Hurricane Katrina hit Louisiana, also in late August 2005. Andrew’s record was then surpassed. five more times By Irma, Ida, Sandy, Maria and Harvey.

Many disaster managers and experts believe the country is unprepared for what is to come. Most jurisdictions around the country do not have proper building codes, and taxpayers often bear the cost of rebuilding the most flood-prone properties through the distressed National Flood Insurance Program. .

“These disasters will get worse and their effects far more widespread, but most Americans are woefully unprepared,” said Craig Hoogate, former director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. I’m here. wrote in the editorial This week with former FEMA employee Roy Wright.

climate science

One thing that has advanced is climate science.

Researchers can now identify how climate change affects individual storms.

A study showed that Hurricane Harvey, which made landfall this week five years ago, was exacerbated by climate change as it brought record rainfall to the Houston area.

Research published this week Harvey found that between 30% and 50% of flooded facilities would not have flooded without climate change.

For the 2022 season, which runs until November 30th, National Weather Service still expects above-average yeardespite the slow start.

After all, Andrew was the first Storm named this season when he landed in 1992.

On today’s POLITICO Energy podcast: POLITICO’s Camille von Koener breaks California’s new rule banning new petrol cars by 2035.

Today is Friday. Thank you for your concern. POLITICO power switchI am your host. Nick Sobchikwith the help of today Timothy KamaAriana Skivel will be back soon.The power switch is provided by the journalist behind E&E News When Politico Energy. Tips, comments and questions [email protected] Also [email protected].

The Mountain Valley Pipeline is a coveted natural gas project in the United States. Senator Joe Manchin (DW.Va.)is at the center of the debate on the Federal Environmental Review, which is in the national spotlight.

It’s also personal to many of the private landowners who see their land bisected by interstate projects.

Miranda Wilson Reporting from West Virginia, Hannah Norsey When Carlos Anchond Opinions about the pipeline are mixed, and the project faces backlash on the ground from people across the political spectrum.

Most of the pipe has been laid, but the project has been held up by a lengthy legal battle over environmental permits amid concerns about impacts on waterways, endangered species and private property.

“We’re definitely David and the MVP is Goliath,” said Becky Crabtree, whose property is in Pipeline Pass. “But I believe that every inch of their construction will encounter some form of resistance.”

Manchin wants to complete the pipeline as part of a permit reform bill agreed with congressional leadership in exchange for Democratic votes on the climate change bill.

Read the full text here.

the iceman is coming
President Joe Biden The plan is to create an ambassador status for the Arctic as climate change melts sea ice and the international energy race will be held in the region, it wrote. Nahal Tosi.

The Arctic has open maritime routes, and the United States and its major foreign adversaries have generated new economic and military interests in the Arctic in recent years. Read the story here.

“Wooden Great Wall”
president franklin roosevelt As part of the New Deal policy, farmers were forced to plant giant walls of trees across the plains during the Dust Bowl.

Armed with tens of billions of dollars from the new climate law, the Biden administration could embark on similar projects for climate resilience, it writes. Daniel CusickRead about it here.

sticker shock
UK energy prices to rise by more than 80% after decision by energy regulator Ofgem Zoya Shevtarovich.

This surge is partly due to Russia’s war in Ukraine. Ofgem chief Jonathan Brearley has acknowledged that the UK could face significant energy challenges this winter. Please check this out for details.

Coal use for drought fuel: China’s record drought is straining hydropower, leading to more coal burning.

Russian gas flare: A major Russian LNG plant near the Finnish border burns about $10 million worth of natural gas per day.

All-in battery: The head of Volkswagen’s truck business says battery-electric technology will soon dominate the industry, including applications such as wood.

The science, policy, and politics that drive the energy transition can feel far away.However we are all affected From hot days and rising gas prices, to home insurance premiums and food supplies, at individual and community levels.

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Here are some of the best subscriber content.

Simon Steele, UN’s next climate chiefcomes from Grenada and gives the small island nation an important ally in the fight against climate change.

LUMA Energy, which operates Puerto Rico’s power gridhas rolled out a new initiative aimed at protecting against power outages amid growing protests against contractors.

new climate law questions whether the US solar energy supply chain will be able to meet future demand.

Today is up to here. Thanks for reading and have a great weekend!