America Adapts - The Climate Change Podcast

In the latest episode of America Adapts, Doug Parsons hosts Dr. Michael Mendez, Assistant Professor of Environmental Planning and Policy at the University of California, Irvine. Michael shares his research on how undocumented immigrants are particularly vulnerable to wildfires and climate change; why FEMA doesn’t provide disaster aid to these workers; what is a “worthy disaster victim” and how adaptation planners can incorporate climate equity into their plans. These topics and much more! Topics covered: Why are undocumented immigrants particularly vulnerable to wildfires and pandemics. FEMA won’t cover undocumented workers. That needs to change! Could climate change be a catalyst for real immigration reform? Who is a “worthy disaster victim.” What is “contextual vulnerability”? Recommendations on how to consider climate justice issues in your adaptation plan (or your updates) How understanding the differential impacts on undocumented immigrants can help improve disaster planning to protect the most vulnera