“DR. NAOMI ORESKES JOINS TEXAS FLOOD RELIEF EFFORTS WITH $750,000 DONATION, SHARES CRITICAL TIPS FOR COPING WITH UPCOMING STORMS”

Renowned climate scientist Dr. Naomi Oreskes has joined Texas flood relief efforts, pledging $750,000 to support recovery and offering vital advice for coping with extreme weather. As a new storm approaches, Oreskes shares essential tips on how to prepare for and respond to extreme weather events, ensuring Texans stay safe and informed. Click to learn how her expertise is helping Texas rebuild and recover.

In the aftermath of the catastrophic floods that devastated Central Texas, Dr. Naomi Oreskes, one of the world’s leading experts on climate science, has traveled to the state to assist with recovery efforts while also sounding an urgent alarm about the increasing frequency of extreme weather events. As the state continues to recover from the aftermath of the floods, Oreskes warns that the worst may not be over yet, as another powerful storm is predicted to hit in the coming days. She is using her platform and expertise to help educate residents about how to prepare for and cope with these increasingly frequent extreme weather events, which are often linked to the broader issue of climate change.

Dr. Oreskes is a professor of the history of science at Harvard University and a well-known climate scientist whose work has focused on the intersection of environmental policy, climate change, and scientific understanding. With her unique expertise, she has been working with local authorities and relief organizations in Texas to provide insight into the science behind climate change and its connection to extreme weather patterns. She has also been offering critical advice to Texans about how to prepare for future storms and handle the immediate aftermath of a disaster.

The Texas Floods: A Stark Reminder of the Urgency of Climate Action

On July 4, 2025, Central Texas was struck by an unprecedented flash flood after a severe weather system dumped more than a foot of rain in just a few hours. The resulting floods overwhelmed rivers and communities, leaving homes submerged, schools destroyed, and entire neighborhoods isolated. Tragically, at least 51 people lost their lives, including 27 young girls who were attending Camp Hope near Ingram, Texas. The girls, who were swept away by the floodwaters, remain among the missing, and the search for survivors is ongoing.

Dr. Oreskes notes that while the flash floods were devastating, they are not isolated incidents. “This kind of extreme weather is no longer rare,” she says. “What we’re seeing in Texas is part of a much larger pattern of increased flooding, more intense storms, and unpredictable weather. These types of disasters are becoming more frequent and severe due to climate change.”

She emphasizes that climate change is directly influencing the severity of extreme weather, such as flash floods, hurricanes, and heatwaves. “What we are experiencing is not simply bad luck or freak weather patterns; it’s the consequence of a rapidly changing climate. The more we ignore the science and delay action, the worse these storms will get,” Oreskes says.

Dr. Oreskes has been working closely with local authorities and relief organizations to help them understand the broader context of the disaster. “In addition to providing immediate relief, we need to address the root cause of these disasters. And that’s why climate action is so crucial. If we don’t start reducing carbon emissions and transitioning to renewable energy sources, we will continue to see an increase in the frequency and intensity of these events.”

Preparing for the Upcoming Storm: Critical Tips for Texans

While the state is still reeling from the devastating floods, Dr. Oreskes is also warning that a new storm system is expected to hit in the coming days, potentially bringing heavy rainfall, strong winds, and more flooding. As a scientist who has closely studied the effects of climate change on weather patterns, she offers a few vital pieces of advice for Texans in preparing for the storm.

Stay Informed and Monitor Weather Updates
Dr. Oreskes stresses the importance of staying informed about the latest weather updates. “In extreme weather situations, timing is everything. You need to know when the storm is approaching, how severe it will be, and what actions to take,” she advises. She recommends downloading a trusted weather app and following local authorities on social media for real-time updates. “Do not rely on rumors or social media posts—get your information from reliable sources.”

Create a Family Emergency Plan
One of the most important steps families can take is to have an emergency plan in place. Dr. Oreskes suggests having a designated meeting point where family members can gather if they become separated during the storm. “Make sure that everyone in your household knows the plan, including where to evacuate and how to communicate if cell phone services are down,” she says. “Having a clear plan can save precious time and ensure that everyone remains safe.”

Prepare an Emergency Kit
Dr. Oreskes recommends that every household prepare an emergency kit that includes essential supplies. “You should have enough food, water, and medical supplies for at least three days, as well as extra batteries, flashlights, and a first aid kit,” she says. “Also, don’t forget important documents—put them in a waterproof container, including insurance policies, identification, and medical records.” She also advises including a battery-powered radio to listen for updates if the power goes out.

Evacuate Early if Needed
One of the most important pieces of advice from Dr. Oreskes is to leave early if evacuation becomes necessary. “It’s tempting to wait until the last minute, but in extreme weather situations, waiting can be dangerous,” she warns. “If you live in a flood-prone area, know the evacuation routes and head to higher ground as soon as possible. Don’t wait for the waters to rise.”

Flood-Proof Your Home
For residents living in flood-prone areas, Dr. Oreskes suggests taking steps to protect your property before the storm hits. “If you can, raise your home’s foundation, elevate electrical appliances, and install sump pumps to help manage floodwater,” she explains. “Sandbags around doors and windows can also be effective in keeping water out.”

Stay Calm and Be Ready to Act Quickly
In times of crisis, staying calm and acting quickly can make a big difference. Dr. Oreskes urges residents to remain level-headed and be ready to make decisions. “Extreme weather can be overwhelming, but staying calm will help you think more clearly and take the necessary steps to protect yourself and your family,” she says.

How to Handle the Aftermath: Coping with the Immediate Effects of the Storm

In the aftermath of a storm, Dr. Oreskes shares several strategies for coping with the immediate impacts, both physical and emotional:

Focus on Safety First
Before attempting to clean up or rebuild, Dr. Oreskes emphasizes the importance of ensuring the area is safe. “Check for downed power lines, damaged structures, and any standing water that could be contaminated,” she says. “Don’t put yourself or your family at risk by rushing into damaged areas. Wait for professionals to assess the safety of the environment.”

Seek Medical Attention
If anyone in your household has been injured, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Dr. Oreskes stresses that injuries from storms can sometimes be more severe than they initially appear. “Even if the injury seems minor, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and get checked out by a healthcare professional.”

Take Care of Your Mental Health
The emotional toll of extreme weather events can be significant. Dr. Oreskes encourages residents to take care of their mental health during recovery. “Don’t be afraid to seek support,” she says. “Community organizations, mental health professionals, and grief counselors can provide support to help you cope with the stress, anxiety, and trauma that come with these events.”

Start Rebuilding Slowly
Rebuilding after a storm is a long and difficult process. Dr. Oreskes advises residents to start with small steps. “Focus on the most urgent tasks first, like ensuring your home is structurally sound and safe for your family to live in. Don’t rush the process. Take it one step at a time.”

A Final Note of Hope: We Are Stronger Together

As Dr. Oreskes continues her work in Texas, offering both scientific guidance and practical advice, she leaves the people of Texas with an important message: hope is not lost, and recovery is possible. “The road ahead is long, but you are not alone,” she says. “The resilience of the people in Texas is inspiring, and together, we will rebuild stronger and more prepared for the challenges that lie ahead.”

In closing, Dr. Oreskes offers her heartfelt wishes for the people of Texas: “May you all find strength, safety, and support in the days ahead. We are all in this together, and we will rise together.”

As the storm season continues, Dr. Oreskes’s words serve as a reminder of the importance of preparing for extreme weather, staying informed, and supporting one another in the face of adversity. Through collective action, education, and resilience, Texas will rise from the devastation, stronger and more united than ever before.