A growing network of Americans affected by extreme weather disasters is forming a political coalition to demand better preparedness and response. Survivors of wildfires, floods, storms and other climate-fueled events now represent a significant portion of the population, with about half of all Americans living in areas impacted by such disasters according to one estimate. The group, organized under names like Extreme Weather Survivors, is pushing for improved disaster management and greater attention to climate-related risks.

Sierra Kos, a filmmaker and co-founder of the organization, said the movement has expanded rapidly since its inception following her experience during the 2020 wildfires in Oregon. "Survivors are no longer just victims — they are becoming advocates, policymakers, and even candidates for office," Kos said. "This is a constituency that politicians can no longer ignore."

The coalition emphasizes bipartisan unity among survivors, despite the politicization of climate issues. Many members criticize the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for slow or inadequate assistance, with some reporting repeated denials of aid or delays in receiving support after disasters. Elisabeth Anderson, who lost her home to Hurricane Helene in 2024, described the process as "insane" and said she had to take out a loan to cover $400,000 in repairs after multiple applications were rejected.

In June, survivors gathered in Kerrville, Texas, near the site of a 2025 flood that killed 136 people, to engage with state officials. While several candidates for governor and legislature were invited, only Democratic lieutenant governor candidate Vikki Goodwin attended. Goodwin acknowledged the need for stronger support for survivors, stating, "We are seeing more extreme weather in Texas and we need to do more for survivors."

Kylie Nidever, a former preschool teacher whose home survived a 2025 flood but was later threatened by a second event, described how the disaster radicalized her. "I never thought I’d be doing this, but seeing my community devastated — and then seeing it happen again — lit a fire under me," she said. Georgia Bishop, whose friend died in the 2025 floods, traveled to Washington to advocate for better warning systems, including sirens in flood-prone areas. She expressed frustration with the mixed response from lawmakers, saying, "I want to believe you’re trying, but will it be in time before something really happens again?"

Scientists have linked the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events to climate change, a connection that has begun to shift some survivors’ views. Mike Malcolm, a Republican voter from Texas, previously dismissed global warming as "indoctrination" but changed his perspective after nearly dying in a flood. "We have to be willing to have difficult conversations," he said. "What do we want to teach our children?"

While the political influence of survivor groups remains limited ahead of upcoming elections, many believe their visibility will grow as disasters become more frequent and costly. Alex Webber, who evacuated New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina and later faced flooding in Asheville, North Carolina, criticized the lack of federal support and what he called "disaster tourism" by politicians. "The money from FEMA just hasn’t shown up," he said. "We can’t keep delaying. This has to stop being a partisan issue."

Despite avoiding the term "climate change" in favor of more neutral language like "extreme weather," advocates say the movement is gaining traction across political lines. With home insurance rates rising and large regions increasingly vulnerable to climate-fueled disasters, survivors say their push for systemic change is only beginning.