All articles tagged with #wildfire recovery
After the devastating 2023 wildfire in Lahaina, Hawaii, factory-built modular homes were rapidly installed to provide long-term, dignified housing for displaced residents, addressing the shortcomings of traditional FEMA trailers and highlighting innovative approaches to disaster recovery and affordable housing.
A new study using NASA satellite data has revealed how drought affects the recovery of western ecosystems from fire, with grasslands and shrublands struggling to rebound after fires, especially when preceded by drought. The research, analyzing over 1,500 fires from 2014 to 2020, found that severe fires can lead to lasting changes in plant communities and water dynamics, impacting water availability for ecosystem recovery and agriculture. Understanding these shifts is crucial for managing water resources effectively in the face of ongoing climate change.
Residents of Maui, Hawaii, are expressing anger and frustration over the direction of early wildfire recovery efforts, questioning the actions of Governor Josh Green. The distrust in the government is particularly affecting the Native Hawaiian community, who fear that their hard-won rights could be eroded by emergency proclamations. The proclamations have suspended environmental and cultural reviews, as well as water code regulations, raising concerns about land use and water rights. The issue has become so contentious that the chief housing officer resigned due to threats against her family. Lawsuits have been filed challenging the governor's emergency proclamations, arguing that they go too far in suspending land-use and environmental laws.
Jefferies Financial Group has pledged to donate $1 million to support the recovery efforts for the devastating wildfires in Hawaii. The financial services firm will carefully allocate the funds to qualified charities to ensure they reach those most in need. In addition to the direct donation, Jefferies will also contribute "100% of net global trading commissions" from its Global Trading Day towards charitable donations. The wildfires have claimed the lives of at least 96 people and caused significant destruction in Lahaina.