Disasters

Scientists Warn Climate Shocks Could Trigger Unrest, Authoritarian Backlash

"As Earth’s annual average temperature pushes against the 1.5 degree Celsius limit beyond which climatologists expect the impacts of global warming to intensify, social scientists warn that humanity may be about to sleepwalk into a dangerous new era in human history. Research shows the increasing climate shocks could trigger more social unrest and authoritarian, nationalist backlashes."

Source: Inside Climate News, 02/02/2024

"U.S. Will Pay to Add Solar Panels to Hospitals, Schools After Disasters"

"The Federal Emergency Management Agency will begin paying to install solar panels on schools, hospitals and other public buildings that are rebuilt after disasters, making them more resilient against future disasters while reducing greenhouse gas emissions."

Source: NYTimes, 02/01/2024

"Millions Of Americans Face Risk Of A Toxic ‘Bomb Train’"

"Less than a year ago, a disastrous train derailment sent a massive plume of dangerous chemicals billowing over East Palestine, Ohio, startling the town of nearly 5,000 residents and onlookers nationwide. Now, a new report warns that more of these catastrophes may loom: At any given moment, more than an estimated 3 million people are unknowingly at risk, as toxic trains full of a highly combustible and carcinogenic chemical used to make plastic move between Texas and New Jersey."

Source: Washington Post, 01/31/2024

"First Of Two Atmospheric River Storms Arrives In California Today"

"A storm tapping into a so-called "pineapple express" type of atmospheric river is beginning to track into California and the Northwest, and it will be followed by another potent storm late this weekend. Flooding rain, landslides, heavy mountain snow and strong winds will accompany both of these systems."

Source: Weather Channel, 01/31/2024

Rockets and Bombs and Chemicals — The Environmental Horrors of War

With the world in the midst of wars in Ukraine and the Gaza Strip, it’s time for journalists to appraise — and report on — the intersection of conflict and the environment, argues the new Backgrounder. That means considering the environment not only as a victim of war, but also as the cause of war and a means of carrying it out.

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"What Are The Odds That Extreme Weather Will Lead To A Global Food Shock?"

"Envision, for a moment, a multiyear period of extreme weather, including heat waves, freezes, droughts, floods, and windstorms, topped off by extreme weather during an El Niño event, leading to major crop failures in the U.S. A disruption of the global agricultural and food supply chain results, leading to panic buying and price shocks."

Source: Yale Climate Connections, 01/29/2024

Brazil Orders Vale, BHP, Samarco To Pay $9.7 Bln Damages For Dam Disaster

"A Brazilian federal judge ruled that miners Vale, BHP and their joint venture Samarco must pay 47.6 billion reais ($9.67 billion) in damages for a 2015 tailings dam burst, according to a legal decision on Thursday seen by Reuters."

Source: Reuters, 01/26/2024

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