New reforms open up access to disaster funding in Massachusetts and beyond

Climate change has sparked a sharp rise in fires, floods and other natural calamities. Now, the Biden administration has directed the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to speed up victims' ability to get immediate monetary support through benefits including “displacement assistance.” In Massachusetts, Gov. Maura Healey has released the first round of funding for cities impacted by flooding last year.

Plus, new research reveals plastic water bottles have up to 100 times more tiny plastic particles than previously estimated — a threat to the environment and health.

And bitter cold unplugged electric vehicles across the country as batteries lost their charge.

It’s Under the Radar's Environmental News Roundtable.

GUESTS

Dr. Gaurab Basu, director of education and policy at the Center for Climate, Health, and the Global Environment at Harvard’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health

Beth Daley, executive editor and general manager of The Conversation U.S.

Cabell Eames, policy consultant for Vote Solar