From CNN: Exactly how much of an environmental menace is AI?

A staggering rise of AI has become a political flashpoint, especially when it comes to the data centers needed to train and operate it.

As the industry booms, many people are increasingly worried about the environmental impacts of these hulking buildings, from their seemingly insatiable demand for water and energy, to the heat and noise they produce.

Nearly 90% of Americans say they’re more concerned than excited about the rise of AI data centers, according to a CNN poll conducted by SSRS in September.

Information and statistics are flying around, with some groups framing the AI data center boom as a potential environmental catastrophe, while others say concerns are overblown or even fake. It’s adding up to a confusing picture.

From The Guardian: Hurricane Isaias ‘biggest test’ for Fema since Trump cuts, experts warn.
“Gulf state officials say they are prepared for Hurricane Isaias, but the storm could be the first major test of Fema’s ability to deploy a large surge workforce after the Trump administration’s sweeping cuts and restructuring of the agency, emergency management experts say.

The Trump administration has said it wants to eliminate, or drastically downsize, Fema, putting more burden on states. More than 4,300 employees left the agency in fiscal year 2025, about 17% of the workforce, according to a recent US government accountability office (GAO) report. The agency’s staffing reductions were not carried out systematically to ensure Fema could still meet its statutory obligations, said Chris Currie, director of homeland security and justice at the GAO.”

“It’s not whether Fema is going to respond. They’re going to respond. It’s more about the depth,” Currie said.”

U.S. Disaster Timeline: Significant U.S. disasters and major developments in the emergency management and homeland security fields. Newly prepared by Arizona State University Center for Emergency Management and Homeland Security

Note that earlier hard copies of several timeline charts were prepared by Claire B Rubin and Irmak RendaTanali.

From the WashPost: The Atlantic’s hurricane drought offers a lesson in climate science. https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2026/10/02/no-atlantic-hurricanes-this-season-is-worth-celebrating

“The storms are growing more intense and damaging, but evidence does not support that they are becoming more numerous.”

From the NY Times: Judge Blocks U.S. From Tying Emergency Grants to Election Changes.

The Trump administration had threatened to withhold some Homeland Security money unless states explored paper balloting and citizenship verification.

From the Congressional Research Service: Understanding State Capacity for Emergency Management [September 3, 2026]
Recent report may be of interest to readers.

The Sept. 20 magazine insert to the Sunday Paper is titled “Disaster, Rebuild, Repeat” The entire magazine is devoted to articles about disasters and recovery.

From the Wash Post: Fight intensifies over the fate of homes falling into the sea.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2026/09/18/fight-intensifies-over-fate-california-homes-falling-into-sea

” California homeowners are building a costly rock wall to hold back the ocean, escalating a battle over private property and what to do about years-long beach erosion amid storm damage and higher tides.”

From the NYTmes: FEMA Could Still Lose More Jobs Despite Court Ruling

“A plan to halve the agency’s sprawling work force was illegal, a judge ruled. But the court is not blocking other FEMA cuts.”

From the Wash Post: Trump Admin. Edict to Cut FEMA by50% is ruled unlawful.

Judge says DHS Proposal’s target appears to have been “pulled from the air.”