Prepare For The Storm
Fighting fascism, supporting progressive values, and holding the line for people and planet.
This week’s storm map features a one-two punch. On the political front, the administration’s assault on independent economic data has economists warning about trust in the numbers. On the climate front, record heat is colliding with drought and sudden downpours. There is good news too. Clean energy is roaring ahead, and we have fresh proof. Below are five timely reads to get you briefed and ready.
The Numbers Don’t Lie. But Politicians Might.
The job market is slowing, and the White House is sharpening attacks on federal statistics. Reuters reports officials are already questioning BLS methods after the president fired the agency’s commissioner. Economists warn that political interference risks spooking markets and blinding the public to what is really happening in the economy.
“Questions have also been raised about the credibility of U.S. economic data after Trump fired the head of the… Bureau of Labor Statistics.” Reuters
What we can do: Keep receipts. Share primary data and nonpartisan analysis with your circles, write letters to the editor in local papers, and pressure representatives to codify statistical agency independence. Pair up with a local civic group to host a “How to read jobs data” teach-in.
Drought Today, Flood Tomorrow
England could face dangerous floods even as large areas remain in drought. Forecasters say heavy rain will run off parched ground, raising the risk of flash flooding without actually refilling aquifers and reservoirs. Climate whiplash is the new normal.
“England could face floods this autumn even while remaining in a state of drought.” The Guardian
What we can do: Push for climate-resilient infrastructure at home. Back stormwater upgrades, permeable pavement, urban tree canopy, and strong building codes. If you are in a flood-prone area, check your coverage and pack a go-bag now.
Solar Is Smashing Records
A new analysis finds the world added 380 gigawatts of solar in the first half of 2025, up 64 percent year over year. China led, but deployment grew across multiple regions. Even with policy headwinds, 2025 is on track to set another all-time record.
“The world added 380 GW of new solar capacity in the first six months of 2025 — 64% higher than… 2024.” Ember
What we can do: Make it local. Ask your city to accelerate rooftop solar and community solar permits. If you rent, look for community solar subscriptions. Electrify what you can and connect neighbors to low-income solar programs.
UK Confirms Its Hottest Summer Ever
The Met Office confirms summer 2025 was the UK’s warmest on record. Nights were unusually hot, and four heatwaves pushed average temperatures to a new high, which scientists say is made far more likely by human-caused warming.
“Provisional Met Office statistics confirm that summer 2025 is officially the warmest summer on record for the UK.” Met Office
What we can do: Treat heat like the hazard it is. Push for publicly funded cooling centers, street-tree programs, and worker heat protections. Check on elders and unhoused neighbors during heat alerts.
Meat Prices Hit New Highs
Global food prices were flat in August, but the FAO meat index set a new all-time high. Drought-shrunken herds and strong demand are pushing beef and lamb higher. Working families feel it first at the checkout.
“The FAO Meat Price Index… reached a new all-time high.” FAOHome
What we can do: Fight price pain and policy failure together. Support mutual aid fridges and food co-ops, and demand tariff and trade policies that do not punish consumers. Ask your city to pilot healthy food vouchers funded by junk-fee clawbacks. Go Vegetarian/Vegan.
Big Picture
Authoritarians attack data, then insist only they can be trusted. Climate extremes multiply while the safety net frays. The through line is power. We reclaim it by organizing locally, protecting truth, and building the clean, fair economy ourselves.
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