Rising natural disasters overwhelm emergency responders

As climate change drives more frequent and intense natural disasters, emergency responders are battling burnout, funding shortfalls and growing demands across the U.S.

David Montgomery reports for Stateline.

In short:

• Emergency responders face increasing burnout and PTSD as they deal with more frequent, intense disasters.
• Budgets for emergency management are not keeping pace with the rise in billion-dollar weather events.
• Some states, like Texas, are exploring options such as creating a state-owned firefighting fleet.

Key quote:

“. . . . the COVID-19 pandemic and the increasing number of back-to-back disasters have resulted in disaster fatigue and burnout.”

— 2023 NEMA white paper

Why this matters:

Climate change is making natural disasters more frequent and severe, stretching emergency systems thin. Without proper funding and resources, communities could face slower, less effective disaster responses.

Related EHN coverage:

• Disaster by choice: The need to create a culture of warning and safety
• LISTEN: Gavin Rienne on children's health and natural disasters
• Understanding poverty and children’s health before natural disasters strike