natural disasters
Newsletter
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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.
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:
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Credit: conrado/Big Stock Photo
Natural disasters disproportionally harm women in Australia
Women are 14 times more likely to die and face higher rates of violence and homelessness during and after natural disasters in Australia, yet climate policies fail to address these dangers, experts say.
Stephanie Gardiner reports for The Australian Associated Press.
In short:
- Domestic violence and homelessness spike for women following natural disasters in Australia, with significant cases noted after events like the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires and the 2022 NSW Northern Rivers floods, new research found.
- Despite research, climate policies still overlook the heightened risks faced by women, who make up 80% of those displaced after disasters.
- Traditional gender roles during disasters often lead men to heroic duties while women bear increased caregiving burdens, exacerbating social and economic disadvantages.
Key quote:
“There’s the social disadvantage, but women are also economically disadvantaged and … when a crisis strikes, they’ve got less security and fewer resources to draw upon.”
— Carla Pascoe Leahy, research manager at the Women's Environmental Leadership Australia.
Why this matters:
Women face disproportionately higher risks during natural disasters, which exacerbate existing social and economic vulnerabilities. Ultimately, building resilience against natural disasters means building equity. By empowering women and addressing the root causes of their vulnerabilities, communities can create a more just and sustainable path to recovery.
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Photo by John Middelkoop on Unsplash
Birth of an OSHA policy
With terrorism in mind, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration created a policy to oversee companies that clean up and build anew after disasters. Decades later, it’s failing to protect workers who respond to climate-fueled catastrophes.
Newsletter
Photo by Library of Congress on Unsplash
FEMA forced to restrict disaster spending because of low funds
From now on, the money will be used only for “critical response efforts” and not rebuilding.
Newsletter
Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash
Falsehoods follow close behind this summer’s natural disasters
As natural disasters and extreme environmental conditions became more commonplace around the world this summer, scientists pointed repeatedly to a shared driver: climate change. Conspiracy theorists pointed to anything but.
Rihanna calls for financial reform to help climate-struck communities. Here’s why she can talk
Her foundation donated over €13 million to climate justice last year, and has long supported Caribbean communities after disasters.
Top Story
Photo by Gene Gallin on Unsplash
NOAA plans $2.6 billion to help prepare for and respond to disasters
Coastal communities, Tribal nations, and weather forecast accuracy are among the planned beneficiaries of $2.6 billion the Department of Commerce plans to use to help communities be more resilient to climate change, weather hazards and sea level rise.
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