How Should Communities Rebuild During A Climate Crisis?
Ask Students: How many households have applied for federal assistance due to the impact of Ian? What are some reasons rebuilding is difficult after Hurricane Ian?
Summary
Hurricane Ian was one of the strongest Category 4 storms to ever make landfall in the U.S. More than 100 fatalities have been reported. In its aftermath, housing is an urgent problem, and hundreds of thousands of households have applied for federal assistance. But there are big challenges around rebuilding and questions about the wisdom of doing so along parts of the coast. William Brangham reports. For a transcript of this story, click here.
Discussion Questions
- Who are some of the people interviewed in this story, and what are their backgrounds?
- Where are some of the places Hurricane Ian struck?
- How many households have applied for federal assistance due to the impact of Ian?
- What are some reasons rebuilding is difficult after Hurricane Ian?
- Why are some people considering not rebuilding after Ian?
Focus Questions
After watching this story, what do you think is the best way to help Floridians who are at risk of further damage from storms?
Media Literacy: Who else would you want to hear from to better understand how Floridians at risk should rebuild?
Extension Activity
- Learn what the federal government (taxpayer money) does to help families in disaster situations like Hurricane Ian? How much do you think voters take in account which lawmakers are more apt to support federal assistance, including disaster loans and flood insurance payments? Check out the list of what the money is going to by reading this press release, FEMA Provides $603 Million in Individual Assistance to Jumpstart Survivor Recovery as Overall Federal Support Surpasses $1.28 Billion.
- Though we’re many weeks past Hurricane Ian’s landfall, families still need help. See this article on what nonprofits and other organizations are doing in Florida, and discuss which seem the most helpful a month after landfall.
Republished with permission from PBS NewsHour Classroom.
PBS News Hour Classroom helps teachers and students identify the who, what, where and why-it-matters of the major national and international news stories. The site combines the best of News Hour's reliable, trustworthy news program with lesson plans developed specifically for... See More
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