Natural Disasters
FEMA Avoids Past Pitfalls by Rushing Storm Aid to Puerto Rico
Since Hurricane Fiona hit Puerto Rico, FEMA has approved disaster aid for thousands more individuals and households than received aid after Hurricane Maria in 2017
Natural Disasters738 articles archived since 1845
Climate Change
To Survive More Frequent Hurricanes, Puerto Rico Needs to Rethink Preparedness
Our leaders ignored the lessons learned from Hurricane Maria, and Fiona caused more destruction than it should have
Endangered Species
Wildfires Spurred Risky Behavior in Los Angeles Mountain Lions
Already threatened mountain lions in the Los Angeles area crossed busy roads more often and exhibited other risky behaviors after the 2018 Woolsey Fire
Mental Health
How Hurricanes Batter Mental Health
Hurricanes and other disasters exact a mental health toll that can persist without strong communities and support networks
Climate Change
California’s 2020 Wildfires Negated Years of Emission Cuts
Record-breaking wildfires released twice the amount of emissions that California cut between 2003 and 2019, though unlike fossil-fuel emissions, they can eventually be reabsorbed by vegetation...
Climate Change
Hurricane Ian Destroyed Retirees’ Life Savings
Many retirees put their savings into real estate in the parts of southwestern Florida that Hurricane Ian severely damaged
Climate Change
‘Absolutely No Doubt’ That Climate Intensified Current Drought
Global warming made drought that has gripped the Northern Hemisphere, from China to Europe to the U.S., 20 times more likely to occur
Natural Disasters
Ian Sinks Florida ‘Dome Home’ Built to Survive Hurricanes
A house built from geodesic domes off the coast of Florida was designed to withstand gale-force winds and powerful storm surges but not sea-level rise
Climate Change
Hundreds of Hospitals Are at Risk of Hurricane Flooding
Florida hospitals are among the most vulnerable to flooding during hurricanes, but others along the East Coast and Gulf Coast are at risk, too
Natural Disasters
Hurricane Ian Grinds toward Florida with Deadly Winds and Walls of Water
Hurricane Ian poses catastrophic risks to the Gulf Coast of Florida as climate change exacerbates the storm’s effects
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
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
