Firefighters Are Focused on Flames, Not Climate Change
Departments face climate-driven changes to fire behavior, like a year-round season
Natural Disasters359 articles archived since 1845
Surrendering to Rising Seas
Coastal communities struggling to adapt to climate change are beginning to do what was once unthinkable: retreat
Photo Gallery: How Kilauea—and Other Volcanoes—Produce Amazing and Frightful Weather
Volcanic tornadoes, choking fog, “laze,” lightning, hail, waterspouts and even frost are created above hot eruptions
How Coastal Communities Are Already Retreating from Rising Seas
When it comes to the unsustainable development of the American coastline, New Jersey owns the honor of being the first and worst. But one town in the state is experimenting with moving a cluster of people out of harm’s way and turning the newly open land into a flood buffer to protect the rest of the community. Read the full story to learn more: "Surrendering to Rising Seas"
U.S. Is Unprepared for the Health Challenges of Climate Change, Experts Warn
Insect-borne disease and damage to hospitals during disasters are among their concerns
Sea Level Rise Could Inundate the Internet
Extreme sea level rise could swamp internet cabling and hubs by 2033—and coastal cities like New York, Seattle and Miami are at greatest risk. Christopher Intagliata reports.
Fueled by Climate Change, Wildfires Erode Air Quality Gains
Such fires are causing spikes in fine particles that threaten human health
As Hurricane Season Ramps Up, Flood Insurance Program Set to Expire
Efforts in Congress to reform the program have stalled, leaving property owners vulnerable
3 Reasons Why the U.S. is Vulnerable to Big Disaster
Many of us live in areas at risk, particularly along the coasts
Coral Reefs Keep Costly Waves at Bay
A new analysis found the flood protection benefits of coral reefs save the global economy $4 billion dollars a year. Christopher Intagliata reports.
Puerto Rico's Water System Stutters Back to Normal
Service is supposedly restored to most customers, but some say water is now unclean
FEMA Approves Buyout Funds for Houston Homes Flooded by Harvey
Homes will be bought in areas where it does not make sense to build flood control structures
Lava and Ash from Fuego Volcano Kills 33 in Guatemala
The eruption is the Central American nation’s deadliest since 1902
Run or Hide? Forecasters Struggle with Warnings as Disasters Change
As storms become stronger, safety instructions for threats can be contradictory
World's Deadliest Volcanoes Are Identified
Indonesia is most at risk from eruptions, compared with other nations
Volcanoes: Nature's Way of Letting Off Steam
A slide show of eruptions and their impacts around the world
What Causes a Volcano to Erupt, and How Do Scientists Predict Eruptions?
Volcanologists cannot yet predict a volcanic eruption
Can We Predict Earthquakes At All?
If we can predict hurricanes, floods, and tornados to differing degrees of reliability, why don’t we know when the next big earthquake will come?
How Did Hawaii Form?
The volcanic island chain was born when the Pacific tectonic plate drifted over a hotspot in Earth’s mantle.