From Ashes to Action: How Disaster Survivors Are Leading the Fight Against Climate Change

This heading captures the essence of resilience and activism in the face of climate-related disasters, drawing readers in with a sense of urgency and hope.

From Ashes to Advocacy: How Disaster Survivors Are Shaping Climate Action

On December 30, 2021, the Marshall Fire swept through Boulder County, Colorado, leaving devastation in its wake. Among the affected was Erica Solove, who, along with her husband and two young children, fled their home with nothing but the clothes on their backs. The fire claimed their house, along with vital documents like passports and birth certificates. The next day, as snow blanketed the ground, the family found temporary shelter in hotels before eventually moving into a rental in South Boulder. By the summer of 2023, they had returned to a rebuilt home, a feat accomplished in less time than many had anticipated.

Just months later, in August 2023, wildfires ravaged Maui, Hawaii, resulting in over 100 fatalities and the destruction of approximately 2,200 structures, including nearly the entire town of Lahaina. The images of devastation struck a chord with Solove. “Just seeing that footage, it hit deep,” she recalled. Recognizing parallels between her experience and those of the Maui survivors, Solove felt compelled to act. She established a Facebook group to connect the two communities, sharing insights on navigating insurance claims, mortgages, and the myriad challenges that come with rebuilding after a disaster.

The Rise of Climate Advocacy Among Survivors

As climate change intensifies the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, an increasing number of disaster survivors are mobilizing to advocate for climate action. According to a report by the International Institute for Environment and Development, there were 108 major disaster declarations in the U.S. in 2024, affecting approximately 137 million people—about 41% of the population. This alarming trend underscores the urgency for survivors to share their experiences and push for proactive measures against climate change.

The Trump administration’s efforts to cut funding for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and disaster aid have further galvanized these advocates. Solove’s Facebook group for Maui survivors grew to about 40 members, a small but significant community aimed at providing support and sharing knowledge. This initiative caught the attention of Extreme Weather Survivors, a nonprofit dedicated to uniting disaster victims to combat climate change.

Today, Solove manages an online community of around 1,000 members, including disaster survivors, insurance advocates, and environmental health experts. This platform, launched in January 2024, serves as a hub for sharing resources and coordinating relief efforts, particularly in response to recent wildfires in Los Angeles.

The Role of Storytelling in Advocacy

Extreme Weather Survivors emphasizes the power of storytelling as a means of advocacy. Chris Kocher, co-founder of the organization, noted that personal narratives resonate more deeply than abstract discussions about climate change. “Humans are wired to understand stories,” he explained. This approach has proven effective in mobilizing support and raising awareness about the impacts of climate change.

Members of the organization have shared their stories at town halls and conferences, generating significant media attention. The emphasis on personal experiences allows individuals who may not be directly affected by climate change to empathize with those who are, fostering a broader understanding of the crisis.

Legislative Advocacy and Community Resilience

Extreme Weather Survivors has also ventured into legislative advocacy. In Vermont, the organization partnered with flood victims to support the Climate Superfund Act, which mandates fossil fuel companies to fund climate adaptation projects. This law, passed in May 2024, aims to hold polluters accountable for the damage caused by climate change.

However, the challenges remain daunting. Many survivors feel abandoned by government agencies, as evidenced by the ongoing struggles in Western North Carolina, where residents are still grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which struck in September 2024. The lack of timely assistance has fueled distrust in FEMA and other agencies, complicating recovery efforts.

The Silent Crisis of Extreme Heat

While fires and storms capture headlines, extreme heat poses a more insidious threat. In 2024, Phoenix experienced 113 consecutive days of temperatures exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit, resulting in 602 heat-related deaths. Unlike visible disasters, heat waves often go unrecognized as major disasters under federal law, leaving many vulnerable populations without adequate support.

Amy Dishion, a member of Extreme Weather Survivors, lost her husband to heatstroke in 2022. Her experience transformed her grief into a driving force for advocacy. “I hope that by speaking about this, I can put a human face on what is so often just a bunch of statistics,” she stated.

A Growing Movement

The movement of disaster survivors advocating for climate action is gaining momentum. Young activists like Finn Does, who experienced the North Complex Fire in California, are stepping up to demand change. At just 19, he is already involved in multiple climate organizations and emphasizes the importance of local activism.

Annie Barbour, who lost her home in the Tubbs Fire in 2017, has dedicated herself to helping others navigate the recovery process. Her work exemplifies the resilience and determination of disaster survivors to not only rebuild their lives but also advocate for systemic change.

Conclusion

As climate change continues to exacerbate extreme weather events, the voices of disaster survivors are becoming increasingly vital in the fight for climate action. Organizations like Extreme Weather Survivors are paving the way for a new generation of advocates, united by their shared experiences and a commitment to creating a more resilient future. Through storytelling, community building, and legislative advocacy, these survivors are not just rebuilding their lives; they are reshaping the narrative around climate change and demanding accountability from those in power.