As Trump works to cut FEMA, data shows there was a major disaster declaration every four days in 2024

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🗞️ Driving the news: As former President Donald Trump pushes to slash funding and potentially dismantle FEMA, new data reveals the U.S. experienced 90 major disaster declarations in 2024 — one every four days
• Analysts warn that climate-driven disasters are accelerating while federal support may be weakening
• The shift raises alarm as Trump’s executive order seeks to shift emergency response responsibility to states

🔭 The context: 2024 marked one of the worst years for disaster declarations in recent decades, with extreme weather impacting 41% of Americans
• FEMA has historically coordinated disaster recovery nationally, but Trump argues states should take more responsibility
• Experts warn local governments may lack resources to manage the growing scale and frequency of disasters alone

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Climate change is fuelling longer and more intense disaster seasons, including wildfires, hurricanes and floods, exposing infrastructure built for outdated climate conditions
• A weakened FEMA could undermine national resilience and climate adaptation efforts
• Limiting federal disaster aid may disproportionately affect vulnerable communities on the front lines of climate risks

⏭️ What's next: Trump’s FEMA overhaul could face legal and political opposition, especially from states reliant on federal support
• Emergency officials warn the cuts could leave gaps in disaster preparedness during the coming tornado and hurricane seasons
• Meanwhile, scientists urge investment in resilient infrastructure, early warning systems, and updated building codes

💬 One quote: “We need to take him at his word… Do they have the resources to protect their residents?” – Deanne Criswell, former FEMA Administrator

📈 One stat: In 2024, there were 1,251 cumulative “disaster days,” meaning there was at least one active disaster declaration for 73% of the year

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