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Mid-Atlantic States Prepare for More Billion-Dollar Disasters as Trump Considers Cutting Emergency Funding

Summary

Experts from government, academia, and activism gathered in Philadelphia to discuss climate disaster preparedness as the Trump administration considers cutting FEMA funding. Pennsylvania experienced 12 billion-dollar weather disasters in 2024—equal to the total for the entire 1980s—due to severe storms, flooding, and heat waves worsened by climate change. FEMA grants play a crucial role in emergency preparedness and recovery, but funding cuts could shift the burden to state and local governments. Public health experts highlighted extreme heat as a major but overlooked threat, especially for vulnerable populations. Advocates warned that immigration policies could deter undocumented residents from seeking aid during disasters. Participants emphasized the need for better planning, early warning systems, and multilingual communication to mitigate climate risks. With federal leadership in question, local and state officials are strategizing on how to fill the gaps left by potential funding cuts.

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