The long shadow of Maui's wildfires

Summary

Podcast Summary:

Climate Connections
Episode: The Long Shadow of Maui’s Wildfires
Host: Dr. Anthony Leiserowitz
Date: May 13, 2026

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Overview

This episode of Climate Connections delves into the continuing psychological and social challenges faced by survivors of the catastrophic Maui wildfires, which devastated the town of Lahaina three years ago. Dr. Anthony Leiserowitz explores how the aftermath of climate-driven disasters extends far beyond the immediate destruction, with a special focus on mental health impacts and ongoing recovery efforts.

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Lasting Effects of the Maui Wildfires

• The 2023 Maui wildfires killed over 100 people and razed much of Lahaina.
• Though the fires are long gone, many survivors continue to struggle with the aftermath.
• Quote:

  “The flames have long been extinguished, but for many, the crisis is ongoing.”
  — Dr. Anthony Leiserowitz (00:06)

2. Mental Health Crisis Among Survivors

• Christopher Knightsbridge, a therapist in Lahaina, highlights that almost all of his current patients are wildfire survivors.
• Many have lost loved ones, homes, and stability, leading to severe psychological trauma.
• Knightsbridge co-authored a study showing higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts among survivors.
• The most vulnerable—those without stable housing or employment—are experiencing the worst mental health challenges.
• Quote:

  “Almost 100% of my caseload is wildfire survivors. A lot of them have lost family members. Some of them had to relocate. Some of them have just lost everything.”
  — Christopher Knightsbridge (00:20)

3. Survival Takes Precedence Over Recovery

• Knightsbridge observes that many survivors are prioritizing basic needs over mental health.
• People are focused on feeding their families and ensuring their children’s well-being before attending to their psychological wounds.
• Quote:

  “What’s more important right at the moment, it’s food and making sure your kids are okay, making sure your kids are going to school. They haven’t even begun to be able to really process the traumas that happened because they’re too busy trying to just basically survive.”
  — Christopher Knightsbridge (00:57)

4. Continued Need for Support and Resources

• Dr. Leiserowitz emphasizes that Lahaina’s residents require long-term resources, including mental health services, to truly rebuild their lives—highlighting that recovery is a slow, ongoing process.
• Quote:

  “The people of Lahaina still need support and resources to help them rebuild their lives and get the mental health care they need.”
  — Dr. Anthony Leiserowitz (01:12)

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Memorable Moments & Notable Quotes

• On the enduring crisis:
  “The flames have long been extinguished, but for many, the crisis is ongoing.” — Dr. Anthony Leiserowitz (00:06)
• On survivors’ ongoing struggles:
  “They haven’t even begun to be able to really process the traumas that happened because they’re too busy trying to just basically survive.” — Christopher Knightsbridge (00:57)

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:01 — Dr. Leiserowitz introduces the episode and summarizes the scale of the disaster
• 00:20 — Therapist Christopher Knightsbridge describes his experience working with wildfire survivors
• 00:29 — Discussion of the recent mental health study and at-risk populations
• 00:57 — Knightsbridge explains why mental health can’t always take priority during recovery
• 01:12 — Call for ongoing support and resources for Lahaina’s community

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Tone and Language

The episode maintains a compassionate, urgent, and informative tone, focusing on the human side of climate disaster aftermath while grounding the content in research and real-life experiences.

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Transcript

[A]

I'm Dr. Anthony Liesiewicz, and this is Climate Connections. Three years ago, devastating wildfires on Maui killed more than 100 people and destroyed much of the town of Lahaina. The flames have long been extinguished, but for many, the crisis is ongoing.

[B]

Almost 100% of my caseload is wildfire survivors. A lot of them have lost family members. Some of them had to relocate. Some of them have just lost everything.

[A]

Christopher Knightsbridge is a therapist at a behavioral health clinic in Lahaina. He co authored a recent study that found that people affected by the Maui fires have higher rates of depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts. And the mental health impacts are often greatest for people who lack permanent housing or stable employment. Knightsbridge says for many of his patients, addressing their mental health struggles often takes a backseat to their other urgent recovery needs. What's more important

[B]

right at the moment, it's food and making sure your kids are okay, making sure your kids are going to school. They haven't even begun to be able to really process the traumas that happened because they're too busy trying to just basically survive.

[A]

So, he says the people of Lahaina still need support and resources to help them rebuild their lives and get the mental health care they need. Climate Connections is produced by the Yale center for Environmental Communication. To learn more about climate change, visit climateconnections.org.