As global leaders prepare for COP29 in Azerbaijan, the connection between climate change and extreme weather events is more pressing than ever. Recent hurricanes, such as Helene and Milton, highlight how a warming climate intensifies the impacts of these storms, making FEMA's role in disaster response and adaptation increasingly critical.
Scientists have long warned that climate change is altering the behavior of tropical cyclones, with warmer ocean temperatures providing fuel for more severe storms. Hurricane Helene, for instance, demonstrated how warmer seas along the U.S. coastline contributed to more intense storms that bring widespread flooding and destruction to both coastal and inland communities. In cases like Hurricane Milton, which intensified rapidly over the Gulf of Mexico, the implications of a warming climate were unmistakable. While Milton weakened slightly before landfall, it still unleashed historic rainfall and flooding that damaged infrastructure far beyond coastal areas.
The scientific community notes that such rapid intensification, where a storm’s strength surges dramatically within a short period, is becoming more frequent and difficult to predict. This presents challenges for emergency preparedness, requiring FEMA and state agencies to enhance early warning systems to protect vulnerable populations from these increasingly powerful storms.
In response to the growing severity and frequency of climate-related disasters, FEMA is actively adapting its operations and programs to improve resilience in vulnerable communities. This includes an emphasis on climate-informed planning and investment in pre-disaster mitigation to reduce long-term risks and costs. For example, FEMA's Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program channels funds toward community projects that bolster resilience against future extreme weather events, prioritizing areas most susceptible to climate impacts, such as coastal cities and flood-prone regions. BRIC has grown significantly, with recent funding levels reaching nearly $2 billion.
FEMA is also shifting focus to help communities adapt infrastructure to withstand the unique stresses of climate change, such as higher temperatures and sea-level rise. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), these climate effects are projected to amplify storm surges and flooding risks in coastal areas over the coming decades, prompting FEMA to prioritize “nature-based solutions” such as restoring wetlands and planting urban greenery to manage stormwater and reduce heat. This approach not only reduces storm impacts but also supports ecosystem health and local biodiversity, aligning with broader environmental goals.
Further, FEMA is investing in advanced technology to improve disaster forecasting and preparedness. Enhanced modeling tools now incorporate climate data to simulate potential scenarios, helping officials plan for future risks with greater precision. FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) supports these technologies, encouraging states to integrate predictive modeling and real-time data into emergency response strategies. By employing climate-focused simulations, FEMA and local governments can better predict, prepare for, and mitigate the impacts of rapid intensification in storms—one of the most challenging aspects of climate-driven hurricanes.
FEMA has partnered with academic institutions and research organizations to develop climate resilience frameworks that communities can use to adapt effectively. By combining federal funding, scientific insights, and local planning, FEMA is enabling communities to not only rebuild stronger after disasters but to prepare proactively for the climate risks on the horizon. These partnerships allow FEMA to stay at the forefront of disaster management and adapt its strategies to meet the evolving demands posed by a warming world.
Amid disaster, misinformation can hamper recovery efforts, which FEMA addresses through dedicated rumor-response pages. This effort to debunk myths surrounding federal aid during Hurricane Helene provided vital clarity. For instance, rumors that FEMA lacks funds were debunked, with FEMA confirming the availability of substantial resources from the Disaster Relief Fund to support ongoing recovery.
FEMA also countered misconceptions regarding eligibility, emphasizing that both renters and homeowners could receive aid, and clarified that federal assistance does not impact Social Security or other benefits. This commitment to clear, factual information is essential in building trust with communities and ensuring that survivors access the support they need without delay.
FEMA has mobilized extensive support for affected communities, with over 1,400 Disaster Survivor Assistance team members deployed across the Southeast to assist with recovery applications and connect residents with resources. The agency has also established more than 75 Disaster Recovery Centers in impacted areas, from Asheville, NC, to Sarasota, FL, where survivors can receive personalized help in navigating the recovery process.
The escalating frequency of intense hurricanes underscores the urgent need for global action on climate change. At COP29, world leaders have the opportunity to implement strategies that address the root causes of climate-driven storms. Prioritizing greenhouse gas reductions is essential, but so is investing in sustainable infrastructure capable of withstanding more severe weather. For FEMA, this means not only responding to disasters but working with local and international partners to bolster resilience in communities prone to tropical cyclones.
