extreme weather
NOAA Satellites/Flickr/https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/
Hurricanes can triple the amount of toxic contamination released into nearby communities
A new study in Environmental Science and Technology found that petrochemical manufacturers and refineries in Texas released higher amounts of toxic contamination during hurricanes.
In short:
- Compared to periods of normal weather, Hurricane Rita (2005) resulted in twice as many contamination releases, while Hurricanes Ike (2008) and Harvey (2017) caused releases to triple.
- Communities with a higher percentage of renters, higher poverty rates, and more Hispanic residents were more likely to experience an increase in contamination.
- Petrochemical refineries were responsible for the highest amount of contamination released during hurricanes.
Key quote:
“Low-income communities and people of color are disproportionately impacted by hurricanes and floods, leading to concerns that climate change will further exacerbate existing environmental health disparities.”
Why this matters:
As climate change continues to alter global weather patterns, extreme weather events such as hurricanes are becoming more common and more severe. With hazardous petrochemical sites disproportionately located within low-income communities of color, this study highlights how extreme weather can have significant environmental justice implications, as well as the need for better protections for fenceline communities.
Related EHN coverage:
- Oil and gas production responsible for $77 billion in annual US health damages: Study
- Air pollution linked to over 700 health conditions
More resources: Environmental Health News reporter Cami Ferrell covers the petrochemical industry in Houston. See her most recent reporting, ExxonMobil, LyondellBassel and Chevron among Houston’s top polluters: Report (leer este reportaje en español) and WATCH: Enduring the “endless” expansion of the nation’s petrochemical corridor (en español).
Follow Cami’s reporting via Instagram @ehnewsroom and TikTok @CamiReports.
Berberian, Alique et al. for Environmental Science and Technology. July 30, 2024
Newsletter
Credit: Florida Fish and Wildlife/Flickr
Hurricane Debby brings dangerous flooding and rain to the southeastern US
Hurricane Debby is set to wreak havoc with torrential rains and flooding as it moves through Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina, bringing potentially record-breaking rainfall and life-threatening storm surge.
Kimberly Chandler and Christopher O’Meara report for the Associated Press.
In short:
- Hurricane Debby is expected to hit Florida's Big Bend coast on Monday, causing catastrophic flooding and life-threatening storm surges as it moves slowly across Florida before stalling over Georgia and South Carolina.
- Officials warn of potentially record-breaking rainfall, with some areas possibly receiving up to 30 inches of rain, threatening major flooding, particularly in low-lying coastal regions like Savannah and Charleston.
- Emergency declarations have been made by governors in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina, with evacuations underway and thousands of National Guard members activated to assist.
Key quote:
“There’s some really amazing rainfall totals being forecast and amazing in a bad way.”
— Michael Brennan, director of the National Hurricane Center
Why this matters:
It’s not just about the immediate chaos of the storm. Floodwaters can carry chemical runoff, raw sewage, and debris, which pose serious risks to both the ecosystem and public health. Read more: Robbie Parks on why hurricanes are getting deadlier.
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Credit: Mathurin NAPOLY / matnapo/Unsplash
Seniors more likely to miss doctors’ appointments in extreme heat or cold, study finds
Seniors are more likely to skip their scheduled medical visits if it’s too hot or too cold, according to a new study. Researchers and doctors discuss what needs to change.
Newsletter
Credit: Elena Larina/Big Stock Photo
Businesses adapt to climate change challenges
Companies are modifying operations to mitigate impacts from extreme weather, including moving utility substations and adding redundant production lines.
In short:
- Major utilities are relocating substations to avoid rising waters and wildfires, while manufacturers are setting up backup production lines.
- TPC and other businesses are increasing inventories and diversifying locations to ensure continuous operations during severe weather.
- Airlines and investment firms are also adjusting to climate risks, with airlines anticipating more turbulence and investment firms stress-testing portfolios for climate resilience.
Key quote:
"Now, the 100-year storm is happening twice a year. It needs to be part of our normal operational plan."
— Dan Brumlik, TPC co-chairman
Why this matters:
Climate change is prompting businesses to rethink operational strategies to maintain reliability and profitability. These adaptations not only protect companies but also ensure consistent service and product availability for consumers.
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Newsletter
Extreme weather exacerbates refugee camp hardships
Displaced women in Jordan, Bangladesh, and South Sudan face worsening conditions as extreme weather compounds the challenges of refugee life.
In short:
- In Jordan, Hamda al-Marzouq copes with extreme heat, impacting daily life and health in the Za’atari refugee camp.
- Umme Solima in Bangladesh struggles with landslides and damaged infrastructure, making daily survival difficult in Cox’s Bazar.
- Nyapuoch Phan Dak in South Sudan endures relentless flooding, limiting food supplies and mobility in the Rubkona camp.
Key quote:
“We walk long distances in the water, sometimes in the rain, and at times, we would even get no milk. But sometimes we’re able to get milk and sell to get something to feed our children.”
— Nyapuoch Phan Dak, refugee, widow, and mother of four in a South Sudan camp
Why this matters:
Extreme weather linked to climate change worsens the already dire conditions in refugee camps, threatening the survival and dignity of millions.
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Credit: Coast Guard News/Flickr
Hurricanes are becoming less predictable and more dangerous
Fueled by rising ocean temperatures, hurricanes are intensifying faster, lasting longer, and becoming less predictable, posing new challenges for communities worldwide.
In short:
- Climate change is extending hurricane seasons and increasing their intensity, with warmer oceans providing more energy for storms.
- Hurricanes are slowing down, leading to prolonged rainfall and increased damage in affected areas.
- Shifting hurricane tracks are bringing extreme storms to regions unaccustomed to such events.
Key quote:
"Because we can't suddenly turn off climate change and have everything go back to the way it was. There's an inertia to the system that we can't really get past. And so adaptation is going to be a big part of it."
— James Kossin, climate and atmospheric scientist, NOAA, retired
Why this matters:
Hurricanes are no longer playing by the rules. As climate change cranks up the Earth's thermostat, these once somewhat predictable storms are turning into wild cards, packing unpredictable punches that leave communities scrambling to pick up the pieces. Read more: Robbie Parks on why hurricanes are getting deadlier.
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Newsletter
Credit: Nicholas Erwin/Flickr
Vermont farmers face uncertain future amid increased flood risks
Vermont farmers, reeling from last summer’s devastating floods, now face an uncertain future as persistent rains continue to threaten their livelihoods.
In short:
- Last summer’s floods caused nearly $45 million in damages to 264 farms across Vermont, devastating crops and financial stability.
- With 70% of farmers lacking crop insurance, many are left relying on inadequate federal disaster loans, adding to their financial burden.
- Ongoing weather unpredictability and insufficient government support leave farmers worried about their future sustainability.
Key quote:
“Easy access to loans is a good thing, but when you’ve already borrowed to the point where you know you can’t afford it, it doesn’t solve anybody’s problem.”
— Roy Beckford, director of University of Vermont Extension.
Why this matters:
The resilience of Vermont's agricultural community is being tested as they navigate the challenges of climate change and inadequate support. As forecasts predict more rain, uncertainty looms large, leaving farmers to question their ability to sustain their livelihoods in a flood-prone future. Read more: Soggy springs, scorching summers: Higher temperatures taking toll on US staple crops.
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