hydrological disruption
Rural Kentuckians left out of federal flood protection efforts
The federal government’s flood risk assessment tool overlooks rural areas like Eastern Kentucky, leaving communities unprotected and underfunded after devastating floods.
Claire Carlson and Elizabeth Miller report for Climate Central and the Daily Yonder.
In short:
- Kentucky’s rural communities, despite repeated flood disasters, are classified as "low risk" by FEMA, limiting federal support.
- The National Risk Index used by FEMA undervalues rural areas due to lower financial assets, leading to biased disaster funding.
- Local leaders and residents are advocating for better federal support and preparing for future disasters with limited resources.
Key quote:
“There’s a bias against, I think, rural communities, especially in the flood dataset.”
— Chad Berginnis, Executive Director of the Association of State Floodplain Managers
Why this matters:
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) labels these areas as “low risk” for flooding, not because the floods are rare, but because the financial stakes are lower compared to urban centers. In simpler terms, these communities are too poor to warrant the full federal safety net. Read more: Rising waters: Aging levees, climate change and the challenge to hold back the Ohio River.
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A global push to develop climate-resistant coffee
An international partnership is driving innovative coffee breeding to protect coffee farmers from the impacts of climate change.
In short:
- Arabica coffee, the most consumed coffee species, is highly vulnerable to climate change, risking significant drops in production by 2050.
- Innovea, led by World Coffee Research, is developing climate-resilient coffee varieties through global collaboration, aiming to help farmers like those in Kenya.
- The project combines traditional breeding with genetic technology to create high-yield, disease-resistant coffee plants.
Key quote:
“The idea is to identify the genes we’re looking for and move on with those plants instead of others.”
— Jane Cheserek, lead breeder at Kenya’s government-run Coffee Research Institute
Why this matters:
Innovea is driving a cutting-edge experiment aimed at creating the climate-proof coffee of the future. This isn't just about preserving your daily caffeine fix; it's about safeguarding the livelihoods of millions of farmers worldwide while protecting our environment. Read more: Alexa White on supporting small-scale farmers.
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Newsletter
Vermont farmers face uncertain future amid increased flood risks
Vermont farmers, reeling from last summer’s devastating floods, now face an uncertain future as persistent rains continue to threaten their livelihoods.
In short:
- Last summer’s floods caused nearly $45 million in damages to 264 farms across Vermont, devastating crops and financial stability.
- With 70% of farmers lacking crop insurance, many are left relying on inadequate federal disaster loans, adding to their financial burden.
- Ongoing weather unpredictability and insufficient government support leave farmers worried about their future sustainability.
Key quote:
“Easy access to loans is a good thing, but when you’ve already borrowed to the point where you know you can’t afford it, it doesn’t solve anybody’s problem.”
— Roy Beckford, director of University of Vermont Extension.
Why this matters:
The resilience of Vermont's agricultural community is being tested as they navigate the challenges of climate change and inadequate support. As forecasts predict more rain, uncertainty looms large, leaving farmers to question their ability to sustain their livelihoods in a flood-prone future. Read more: Soggy springs, scorching summers: Higher temperatures taking toll on US staple crops.
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India’s mega plan to connect its rivers raises big questions
India's ambitious project to link its rivers may provide solutions to water shortages but could also cause significant environmental and social disruptions.
In short:
- India plans to launch a $168 billion project to connect its rivers, aiming to address water shortages and improve irrigation.
- Experts warn that the project could displace half a million people, submerge vast tracts of land, and disrupt natural monsoon patterns.
- Critics argue that the government has not adequately considered alternative, less disruptive water management strategies.
Key quote:
[The] “initial assumption, is that river basins are independent systems and output from one … can be used to feed the other. [But] changes in one can lead to changes in another.”
— Tejasvi Chauhan, water engineer and biosphere modeler, Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry.
Why this matters:
This project could reshape India’s water management but might exacerbate environmental issues and displace communities, highlighting the need for sustainable solutions in tackling water crises. Read more: The planet is losing free-flowing rivers. This is a problem.
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Top Story
Politicians avoid discussing climate change during Indian elections
As India’s general elections approach, voters are facing climate-related hardships that politicians largely ignore.
In short:
- Extreme heat and drought in Maharashtra state have left farmers struggling, with no substantial political focus on environmental issues.
- Increased cyclones along India’s eastern coasts have caused significant damage and deaths, with locals frustrated by unfulfilled political promises.
- Floods in Assam state are worsening, leaving residents on river islands vulnerable and dissatisfied with political inaction.
Key quote:
“Politicians are only talking about religion and caste. No one is talking about the environment or farmers' issues.”
— Vaibhav Maske, farmer in Maharashtra
Why this matters:
Ignoring climate change in political discourse undermines efforts to address its severe impacts on health, livelihoods, and regional stability. Effective policies are needed to protect communities from increasingly extreme weather events. Read more: Sabah Usmani on making cities healthy and just.
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Top Story
Summer of 2023 was the hottest in two millennia, says study
A new study analyzing ancient tree rings reveals that last summer was the hottest in the past 2,000 years, with unprecedented warmth across the Northern Hemisphere.
In short:
- Tree rings indicate summer 2023 was 4 degrees warmer than the average from 1 to 1890.
- The study suggests that current warming trends surpass the goals of the 2015 Paris Agreement.
- High heat fueled severe weather events globally, from wildfires to intense heat waves and heavy rains.
Key quote:
“It’s true that the climate is always changing, but when you look at the long sweep of history, you can see just how dramatic recent global warming is.”
— Jan Esper, lead author, Johannes Gutenberg University
Why this matters:
Such unprecedented heat is a stark reminder of the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate severe health impacts and prevent further climate-related disasters. Read more: Heat, air pollution and climate change … oh my! Was summer 2023 the new normal?
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Newsletter
Afghanistan faces deadly flash floods, devastating impacts
Hundreds of deaths occurred due to severe flash floods in northern Afghanistan
In short:
- Severe flash floods in Afghanistan's northern and western regions have left around 300 people dead, with many more potentially trapped.
- The floods were caused by "unprecedented rainfall," heavily damaging Baghlan province and destroying thousands of homes.
- Afghanistan's health system struggles to cope, heavily reliant on international aid amidst ongoing crises.
Key quote:
"We just grabbed our children and we ran."
— Reza Gul, survivor
Why this matters:
The recent tragedy in Afghanistan is yet another example of the dire effects of climate change on vulnerable regions. For healthcare professionals and policymakers, it emphasizes the urgent need to enhance disaster preparedness and response capabilities in regions prone to natural calamities, especially as climate change intensifies such events. Read more: Disaster by choice: The need to create a culture of warning and safety.
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