Climate Disasters Forge Unlikely Friendships

Gallup reports that 38% of Americans have experienced severe storms, floods, or fires in their communities over the past year. In response to these escalating climate-fueled disasters, a network of survivors has emerged, offering one another critical support.

This group, known as Extreme Weather Survivors, acts as both a support system and an advocacy organization. Co-founders Chris Kocher and Sierra Lindsey Kos established the network to connect individuals who have suffered personal or property losses due to climate events.

Among those who have found community are Amy Dishion, who lost her husband to heat stroke, and Alan and Cindy Bickford, whose Florida home was severely damaged by Hurricane Ian in 2022. They shared experiences with Derek Sample, a Los Angeles music producer whose home and studio were impacted by a fire in January 2025.

These connections highlight a shared resilience and humanity, demonstrating how individuals from disparate backgrounds can find kinship and mutual aid while rebuilding their lives against the backdrop of increasing extreme weather events.