Health risks increase as Brazil’s floodwaters recede

The first two deaths from leptospirosis have been reported in southern Brazil as floodwaters recede, with experts predicting a surge in fatalities.

Gabriela Sá Pessoa reports for The Associated Press

In short:

Two men in Rio Grande do Sul have died from leptospirosis following severe flooding.
The flooding has displaced over 600,000 people and significantly damaged health infrastructure.
Experts warn of increased disease outbreaks due to contaminated water and disrupted health services.

Key quote:

“There are those who die during the flood and there is the aftermath of the flood.”

— Paulo Saldiva, University of Sao Paulo

Why this matters:

The environmental impact of the floods has been devastating, and the aftermath brings additional public health concerns. The spread of leptospirosis underscores the broader implications of extreme weather events exacerbated by climate change. As global temperatures rise, the frequency and intensity of such disasters are expected to increase, bringing with them a host of secondary health crises.

apnews.com

Health risks increase as Brazil’s floodwaters recede

Clothes that cool you, warm you — and make power as you move

Gas from thawing Arctic permafrost is changing world's climate future

‘Explosion of melt rates’: 20% of Swiss glaciers lost in five years

Climate change’s compounding pressures on rural North Carolina

The true cost of Trump's fuel economy rollbacks

Montana officials praise repeal of power plant emission regulations, watchdog groups pan decision

The surprising allies backing Boulder's climate case before the Supreme Court

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Pennsylvania health advocates say Trump’s first 100 days in office have caused “100 harms” to local communities

“They're terrorizing these scientists because they want to keep them silent.”

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.