Intensified by Climate Change, ‘King Tides’ Change Ways of Life in Florida
King tides, which frequently flood South Florida even when the
sun shines, are the most blatant example of the interplay between
rising seas and the alignment of the moon, sun and Earth.
According to an analysis released Tuesday by the World Meteorological Organization, Superstorm Sandy was one of several “high-impact” global weather events over the last five years whose likelihood was increased by climate change.
Here is the direct link to the WMO Global Climate Report (32 pp).
The Diva does not usually do personal essays on this blog, but since it is my blog here goes.
The Diva is concerned with the state of morale of all of the disaster-related workers with whom I have chatted recently — including FEMA staff, Reservists, Red Cross staff and volunteers, researchers, and consultants. I realize that my realm is a small one, but having been in the field for almost 40 years, I do not recall a time of such widespread low morale and pessimism.
I have no idea if this is symptomatic of a national problem, and I do not have the ability to do the research. But, intelligent and well-intentioned folks are frustrated and depressed about their ability to help and serve disaster victims. Our organizations and systems are defeating their efforts.
At a time when the federal government is increasingly unreliable — with short budget cycles and political turnover — it is especially important that non-government sectors of society are adequately prepared and ready to help. How can we overcome the pessimism?
Comments are invited
From Pew Trust, this infographic re high cost of flooded properties.
Thanks to Chris Jones for the link.
The Diva is getting first hand reports from friends in NZ and others. She has revamped the NZ page of this blog in order to share the technical and other info supplied.
Once again, the Diva wants to emphasize the need to learn from the experience of others.
Natural disasters push 26 M into poverty each year, says World Bank. Study finds floods, storms and droughts cost global economy $520 B a year and highlights need to tackle climate change.
Here is a Canadian article on the same topic.
Thanks to Chris Jones for that link.
Recently, I had a conversation with Mindy Mizell, Director of Media Relations at Red Cross HQ. As you might expect she is concerned about the negative publicity the Red Cross has been receiving in recent months. As readers of this blog, as well as Eric Holdeman’s blog (Disaster-zone.com), know both Eric and I are trying to provide a balanced view of the Red Cross in our postings.
Mindy mentioned that both FEMA and the Red Cross have been extremely busy this calendar year. And she was kind enough to pull together some statistics that show what the Red Cross has done so far this year. Here are the latest stats:
* American Red Cross has responded to 15 major disasters already this 2016, so far 50% more than last year (ie. N. Texas tornadoes, Louisiana floodings, WV floodings, Hurricane Matthew, California wildfires, etc.)
* Since January, volunteers and staff have responded with extraordinary efforts including:
– More than 191,000 overnight stays provided in 604 shelters
– More than 3.6 million meals and snacks
– More than 1.8 million relief items distributed
– More than 27,000 cases opened to provide one-on-one support* The Red Cross estimates response efforts in 2016 will collectively cost nearly $87 million – but as of Oct 26, we’ve only raised $53 million to cover these events – a gap of nearly $34 million.
* Already this year, the Red Cross has assigned 26,478, compared to 15,840 in 2015 and 9,923 in 2015.
* Since June 2012 when the Red Cross launched its 1st app, there have been 9.2 million downloads of the now 13 mobile apps available.
Update: please see comments from folks in the field.
In 1995, the Diva had the privilege of participating in a conference in Wellington, NZ that examined the ramifications of recovery from a significant earthquake in that area. An excellent edited proceedings was produced.
In recent years a scanned, pdf copy was made available. I have linked a copy of that 300 page report here: wellington-after-the-quake
I would like to hear from those interested in earthquake history about whether this effort made 21 years ago has proved useful to current emergency managers.
From the HuffPost: Climate Scientists Are Very Worried About A Trump Presidency.
“I fear this may be game over for the climate.”
From the Guardian: Donald Trump presidency a ‘disaster for the planet’, warn climate scientists
Leading scientists say the climate denier’s victory could mean ‘game over for the climate’ and any hope of warding off dangerous global warming
Recovery Diva 