Article Reflection No. 85 (1/20/2024)

Article: “As Climate Shocks Worsen, FEMA Tries a New Approach to Aid”

Reflection:

In The New York Times article “As Climate Shocks Worsen, FEMA Tries a New Approach to Aid”, journalist Christopher Flavelle describes changes to the disaster relief federal aid system. As climate change exacerbates the amount of natural disasters, Flavelle writes, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) stated that households will receive $750 directly following evacuations, face shorter paperwork, and encounter an easier process to access the money needed for home repairs. And, as stated by interviewee and agency member Frank Matranga, low-income households will especially benefit from these changes, potentially shifting from “racial inequity” towards a more positive direction. Moreover, with inflation and its increasing home prices, insurance fees also increase, which results in a lack of insurance (thus, more need for financial aid other than insurance, which not all people have). According to Flavelle, this emphasized the need for additional financial aid. 

The direct correlation between socio-economic gaps and victimization from climate change is undeniable. I believe that this article further highlights this ongoing cycle of monetary needs, natural disasters, monetary needs, natural disasters, repeat. As shown by Flavelle’s brief explanation on how insurance and home prices exacerbate the need for monetary aid, the status quo connects the economy to housing and natural disasters. In this world where multiple major sectors in society are so closely tied to one another, what justifies the lack of discussion at the main table?