impacts
Newsletter
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Rising heat and wildfires pose increasing risks to the elderly
As extreme heat events and wildfires become more frequent and intense, America’s growing elderly population faces escalating health and safety threats.
In short:
- Older adults are especially vulnerable to heat-related injuries, which are increasing alongside global temperature rises.
- Heat exacerbates existing health conditions in older adults, potentially causing thousands of additional deaths annually.
- Community centers with air conditioning and regular check-ins by family or neighbors can help mitigate risks.
Key quote:
“It’s easy to say, ‘Oh, buy central air,’ but people are struggling financially everywhere, so it’s just not an easy fix.”
— Ian Neel, geriatrician and associate professor at UC San Diego School of Medicine
Why this matters:
Extreme heat and wildfires disproportionately endanger older adults, who are less able to cope with these conditions due to mobility issues and chronic health problems. Community support and awareness can significantly reduce heat-related health risks for the elderly.
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CDC develops new test to identify climate-driven malaria-carrying mosquitoes
In a major stride against malaria, CDC researchers have created a rapid test to identify the Anopheles stephensi mosquito, a malaria carrier thriving due to climate change.
In short:
- Anopheles stephensi, native to Asia, has established itself in Africa due to global warming, threatening 130 million people.
- The CDC’s new test allows rapid identification of this mosquito, enabling quicker responses to potential malaria outbreaks.
- Climate change facilitates the spread and persistence of this mosquito in new regions, increasing malaria risks.
Key quote:
"If we start seeing that mosquito in the United States, transmitting or getting a foothold here, then there’s more concern that we’re going to see more widespread malaria in, potentially, urban areas.”
— Judith O’Donnell, infectious disease specialist at the University of Pennsylvania
Why this matters:
This breakthrough couldn't come at a better time, as the threat of malaria establishing itself in the U.S. looms larger. By nipping these mosquito migrations in the bud, we might just keep malaria at bay and protect vulnerable communities from a resurgence of this ancient scourge. Read more: The Holocene climate experience.
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The fires in Ruidoso, New Mexico have triggered severe floods
Devastating floods have repeatedly hit Ruidoso, New Mexico, following massive wildfires that destroyed 25,000 acres and nearly 1,000 homes, highlighting the escalating threat of climate change-induced disasters.
In short:
- Ruidoso has faced eight major floods since June 21 after two wildfires scorched the area.
- The fires have drastically reduced the soil's ability to absorb rainfall, leading to severe flash floods.
- Residents are in "survival mode," repeatedly repairing flood damage and preparing for more.
Key quote:
“This town is sitting at the bottom of a bowl. And the sides of the bowl have burned.”
— Andrew Mangham, National Weather Service hydrologist
Why this matters:
The connection between the wildfires and floods is stark. Wildfires scorch the land, stripping it of vegetation that would normally absorb rainwater. Without this natural barrier, even moderate rainfall can lead to severe flooding. In Ruidoso, the torrential downpours have turned charred hillsides into fast-moving rivers of mud and debris, compounding the community’s misery.
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Flood risk is higher for Indigenous lands in Oklahoma
Oklahoma’s Indigenous communities face flooding risks five times greater than other areas due to forced relocation to flood-prone lands.
In short:
- Indigenous lands in Oklahoma are at a significantly higher risk of flooding compared to other areas in the state.
- The soil quality and lack of wetlands on these lands exacerbate flooding, making recovery difficult for many tribes.
- Federal funding has been announced to help tribal efforts in climate resilience and flood mitigation.
Key quote:
“We get stuck in places where nobody else wants to live.”
— Theresa Tsoodle, researcher at the University of Oklahoma
Why this matters:
Flooding leads to loss of life, property damage, and soil erosion, with climate change increasing the frequency and intensity of such events. Effective flood management integrating traditional tribal knowledge is crucial for safeguarding these vulnerable communities.
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Eastern Kentucky frequently faces costly flooding disasters
Flood-prone counties in Kentucky often receive federal disaster aid due to repeated and severe flooding, surpassing disaster-prone coastal areas.
In short:
- Floyd County, KY has been declared a federal disaster zone 14 times since 2011 due to severe flooding.
- Most frequent federal disasters are in inland counties, not coastal ones, with eight of the nine most disaster-prone counties in Kentucky.
- Federal aid distribution shows a significant need for enhancing resilience in vulnerable inland areas.
Key quote:
“After that flood I had 500 homeless people looking at me, ‘Judge what are we going to do’? It’s overwhelming and it’s just a matter of time before it happens again.”
— Judge Robbie Williams, Floyd County administrator
Why this matters:
Unlike the dramatic hurricanes and storm surges that hit coastal cities and make national headlines, the flooding in Kentucky often goes underreported. However, the impact on local communities is just as devastating. Homes are washed away, businesses shutter, and lives are disrupted as families face the arduous task of rebuilding from scratch time and time again.
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Credit: Philip Brookes
Construction worker's tragic end highlights the deadly impact of extreme heat on workers
Caught in a deadly heatwave, David Azevedo's effort to impress in a new job tragically cost him his life, underscoring the urgent need for better protections for outdoor workers.
In short:
- David Azevedo, working in extreme heat on a French construction site, succumbed to heatstroke, demonstrating the severe risk posed by rising temperatures.
- Despite showing signs of severe heat illness, David was left unattended for critical moments, which may have contributed to his death.
- The incident reveals the urgent necessity for stronger safety regulations to protect workers in increasingly frequent and severe heatwaves.
Key quote:
“Workers are compelled to be in the heat. They have to work or they lose their livelihood. This speaks to a wider dynamic: power and money determine your vulnerability to climate change.”
— Cora Roelofs, professor at the University of Massachusetts Lowell
Why this matters:
As heatwaves become more frequent and severe, our bodies are pushed to their limits, and the risks aren't just limited to those working under the sun. Read more: How youth can battle extreme heat in their communities.
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South Texas cities seek new water sources as Rio Grande dries up
Faced with severe drought, South Texas cities are exploring costly but innovative methods to secure their water supply.
In short:
- The Rio Grande's water levels are critically low, pushing South Texas cities to find alternative water sources.
- Edinburg plans a new water treatment facility to extract water from underground aquifers and reuse wastewater.
- Reverse osmosis is gaining popularity in the region despite high costs and environmental concerns.
Key quote:
"We see the future and we've got to find different water alternatives, sources. You know how they used to say water is gold? Now it's platinum."
— Tom Reyna, Edinburg assistant city manager
Why this matters:
With the Rio Grande no longer reliable, South Texas faces water scarcity that threatens both residential and agricultural needs. Innovative solutions are essential but may be financially unattainable for smaller communities without state support.
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