The Climate Impacts of 2025 & 2026
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2025 is one of the most climate-impacted years with fires, droughts, hurricanes and flooding. Two of the most devastating incidents that happened in early to mid 2025 would be in Calif. the Los Angeles Palisades fires and across many different countries, Hurricane Melissa. Now that it is the beginning of 2026, there have already been devastating impacts happening across America due to cataclysmic snow storms.
The tragic Los Angeles Palisades fires took place on Jan. 7, 2025, in the Pacific Palisades, Calif. and lasted till Jan. 31. There were $28 billion to over $100 billion in damages and the community is still currently dealing with picking itself back up. Earlier in the year, the focus after the fires was to pick up and clear debris, now the main focus is to start on reconstruction. Some of the community and homeowners are also facing problems with insurance. So, if you are looking to help your community, you can donate to the Red Cross to help families in need who are still struggling with healthcare support.
The other devastating event in the past year was Hurricane Melissa. This took place on Oct. 21, 2025, and ended on Nov. 4, 2025. This hurricane occurred across multiple countries, such as Jamaica, Haiti, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic. Since the incident, there have been over $10 billion in damages and over 100 deaths across the Caribbean, with 141 reported injuries.
Even though Hurricane Melissa and the Los Angeles Palisades wildfires are in different regions of the world, both caused tremendous destruction. Both communities are still in need of rebuilding homes, schools, and hospitals. Displaced people continue to seek out basic supplies like food, water, and hygiene kits.
Now currently in late Jan. 2026, there have been winter storm impacts across the U.S. from the Southwest to the Northeast. Two of the most impacted states that are dealing with some of the highest ice impacts and temperature reports are Mississippi and Louisiana. Lots of people are dealing with power outages, transportation, heating challenges, dangerous road conditions, shortage of supplies, and much more. Many areas are reporting over a foot of snow causing cancellations of getting to school, work, and the store. These conditions make it hard for people to get what they need completed.
If you or someone you know is interested in donating to help support these different communities, the Red Cross Disaster Relief Website is a great way to help make a change and support others through these natural disasters.