Joseph Kane

Jan 17, 2025 | wateronline.com | Joseph Kane

By Joseph W. Kane The Los Angeles fires are already one of the most devastating disasters in California — and national — history. Fanned by high winds and fed by a prolonged drought, the blazes rapidly spread across thousands of acres in the nearby Santa Monica Mountains and into several neighborhoods. More than a week since the fires erupted, they have destroyed at least 5,000 homes and countless other structures, in addition to causing numerous deaths, evacuations, and other impacts.

Jan 15, 2025 | brookings.edu | Joseph Kane

The Los Angeles fires are already one of the most devastating disasters in California—and national—history. Fanned by high winds and fed by a prolonged drought, the blazes rapidly spread across thousands of acres in the nearby Santa Monica Mountains and into several neighborhoods. More than a week since the fires erupted, they have destroyed at least 5,000 homes and countless other structures, in addition to causing numerous deaths, evacuations, and other impacts.

Dec 2, 2024 | brookings.edu | Manann Donoghoe |William H. Frey |Annelies Goger |Joseph Kane

As Election Day unfolded, speculation swirled about what a new administration in Washington might mean for cities, metropolitan areas, and communities across the nation. Over the past four years, President Biden’s administration ushered in unprecedented federal investments in industries, infrastructure, clean energy, and more. Now, the election results offer a clearer sense of the future for the place-based, locally led solutions that state and local leaders have championed in recent years.

Sep 19, 2024 | brookings.edu | Joseph Kane |Adie Tomer

A more extreme and uncertain climate is leading to tangible harms across the U.S., including stresses on transportation and water systems. While major storms and other acute shocks can lead to sudden and severe destruction, rising heat and other chronic stresses can lead to gradual environmental, economic, and public health challenges. That means greater operational and insurance risks, as well as rising damage, disruptions, and costs to physical infrastructure assets over time.

Sep 17, 2024 | brookings.edu | Joseph Kane

The U.S. relies on a variety of industries to drive economic growth and provide many different goods for households and other consumers across the country. However, producing and consuming these goods can leave significant climate impacts. The energy intensity and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions resulting from several industrial processes—including the production of steel, cement, chemicals, and other goods—pose a significant climate challenge.