Natural Disasters
How to Protect Puerto Rico’s Power Grid from Hurricanes
Energy experts say localized solar plants could strengthen Puerto Rico’s dangerously fragile grid
Natural Disasters729 articles archived since 1845
Climate Change
Why Typhoon Merbok Was So Powerful when It Hit Alaska
Typhoon Merbok heavily damaged Alaskan communities, many of which are Indigenous and rely on subsistence hunting that residents would normally be doing right now
Climate Change
Climate Change Likely Worsened Pakistan’s Devastating Floods
A new analysis finds that extreme rainfall has intensified across Pakistan and could become even more severe as the planet heats up
Climate Change
U.N. Calls for Climate Alert Systems Worldwide in 5 Years
Early-warning systems for heat waves, floods and other hazards can save lives and property across the planet
Climate Change
Here’s How Climate Change Is Hurting the U.S.
A new U.S. government website keeps a running tally of climate-juiced hazards and the number of residents facing these threats
Public Health
The Hidden Toll of Wildfires
A huge aerial campaign seeks to understand the effects of biomass smoke on human health
Climate Change
Why Are Pakistan’s Floods So Extreme This Year?
One third of the country is underwater following an intense heat wave and a long monsoon that has dumped a record amount of rain
Climate Change
‘Weather Whiplash’ Withers, then Drowns Areas Worldwide
Climate change may be fueling back-to-back droughts and floods
Natural Disasters
See Iceland Aglow in Volcanic Eruptions
A vivid look at Iceland’s recent resurgence of volcanic eruptions—and why the country could be in for 300 years of renewed volcanic activity
Climate Change
New Tool Helps Predict Where Wildfire Smoke Will Blow
Scientists are working on ways to better anticipate the pathways—and health dangers—of drifting wildfire smoke
Climate Change
What Megafires Can Teach Us about California Megafloods
Catastrophic megafloods formerly happened about once every 100 to 200 years in California, but climate change has increased those odds
Natural Disasters
Almost No One in Kentucky Has Flood Insurance, Hindering Recovery
Only 2.3 percent of households in the 10 Kentucky counties that suffered devastating floods last month have flood policies, records show
Natural Disasters
Poem: ‘My Father Flies into a Hurricane’
Science in meter and verse
Climate Change
Unprecedented, Climate-Driven Disasters Are Stymieing Preparation Efforts
Disasters so extreme that communities have not experienced anything like them before show the shortcomings of current preparedness plans
Climate Change
Three Reasons Appalachia’s Risk of Deadly Floods Keeps Rising
A warming climate, a unique topography and the legacy of coal mining have increased the odds of extreme flooding in Appalachia
Natural Disasters
What Is a Flash Flood?
Flash flooding occurs in a short time frame after a precipitation event and is exacerbated by paved surfaces and already saturated soil
Engineering
How to Make Sure Wildfire Shelters Save Firefighters’ Lives
Fiery tests can assess new prototypes of portable shelters, the last line of defense for wildland firefighters
Climate Change
Alaska Is on Pace for Another Historic Fire Season
Thousands of lightning strikes and a warming climate have contributed to the fires burning around the state
Climate Change
Bigger Floods Endanger Millions Living in Extreme Poverty
The vast majority people exposed to both threats live in India and sub-Saharan Africa
Climate Change
Global Warming Causes Fewer Tropical Cyclones
But those that do form have a greater chance of becoming intense storms
