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FEMA Chief Says Rebuilding Must Follow Climate Adaptation

8/28/2026

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Summary

Story summary

FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate told PBS host Amna Nawaz that climate adaptation must guide rebuilding.
President Barack Obama said the climate debate was over and urged focus on adaptation.
Fugate said Obama’s comment sparked a rift in the climate community over adaptation versus mitigation.
Fugate stressed FEMA must prioritize current risks, not just past risks, when using tax dollars.

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Story summary

FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate told PBS host Amna Nawaz that climate adaptation must guide rebuilding.
President Barack Obama said the climate debate was over and urged focus on adaptation.
Fugate said Obama’s comment sparked a rift in the climate community over adaptation versus mitigation.
Fugate stressed FEMA must prioritize current risks, not just past risks, when using tax dollars.