PreventionWeb In the 08/15/2023 edition

In the 08/15/2023 edition:

CAL FIRE andUniversity of California San Diego’s ALERTCalifornia program join forces toenhance wildfire response with artificial intelligence implementation trial

By University of California, San Diego on Aug 14, 2023 03:53 pm
By harnessing the power of AI, they have the opportunity to revolutionize the firefighting strategies by analyzing vast amounts of data, predicting fire behavior, and providing real-time insights to firefighters on the ground. 

Creating ‘spongecities’ to cope with more rainfall needn’t cost billions – but NZ has to startnow

By Conversation Media Group, the on Aug 14, 2023 03:24 pm
The “sponge city” concept is gaining traction as a way to mitigate extreme weather, save lives and even make cities more pleasant places to live. This is important when existing urban stormwater infrastructure is often already ageing and inadequate. 

Atlantic collapse:Q&A with scientists behind controversial study predicting a colder Europe

By Conversation Media Group, the on Aug 14, 2023 02:43 pm
A study warned that a critical ocean system that brings warm water up the North Atlantic, also known as the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), was at risk of collapse by 2095 for want of drastic emissions cuts. 

An early warningsystem for joint heat and ozone extremes in China

By Harvard University on Aug 14, 2023 02:36 pm
Research identifies patterns to predict co-occurrence of heat and ozone extremes in China months 

Indonesia mustface up to the heightened risk of drought and fire under El Niño

By Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research on Aug 14, 2023 02:15 pm
Research has an important role to play in managing extreme climate events 

Do earthquakesproduce signals before they rupture? Maybe, scientists say

By Temblor on Aug 14, 2023 01:52 pm
A new study suggests a warning sign may be available two hours before an earthquake strikes. An independent analysis suggests otherwise, and underscores the importance of rapid, open exchange of data and code among researchers. 

‘Flash drought’in Hawai’i fuels deadliest U.S. wildfires in 100 years

By The Energy Mix on Aug 14, 2023 01:52 pm
As the death toll from the wildfire that incinerated Lahaina, Hawai’i climbs, the phenomenon of “flash drought” after decades of ecosystem-destroying plantation farming is emerging as a proximate trigger for the catastrophe. 

How extremeweather is affecting small farmers across the U.S.

By Time Inc. on Aug 14, 2023 01:47 pm
Extreme weather patterns are posing difficulties across the agricultural community, but especially among small farmers, who have limited funds to deal with inconsistent weather that is affecting their cattle or crops. 

An early warningsystem for disasters takes shape in Timor-Leste

By United Nations Environment Programme on Aug 14, 2023 01:33 pm
Timor-Leste has a rich ecosystem of marine biodiversity coral reefs and mangroves. But this island nation in South East Asia is also one of the most vulnerable to extreme weather and slow-onset climatic events, like sea level rise. 

After Mauifires, human health risks linger in the air, water and even surviving buildings

By Conversation Media Group, the on Aug 14, 2023 12:03 pm
When fires spread through communities, as we’ve seen more often in recent years, they burn structures that contain treated wood, plastics, paints and hazardous household wastes. All of these items release toxic gases and particles. 

ALERTCalifornialaunches to provide essential tools to understand and adapt to wildfires anddisasters in the Golden State

By ALERTCalifornia on Aug 14, 2023 11:47 am
UC San Diego’s ALERTCalifornia public safety program leverages novel technology and cutting-edge research to understand the causes, behavior and aftereffects of disasters. 

USA: Californiaturns to AI to help spot wildfires

By Thomson Reuters on Aug 14, 2023 11:29 am
California firefighters are using artificial intelligence to help spot wildfires, feeding video from more than 1,000 cameras strategically placed across the state into a machine that alerts first responders when to mobilize. 

Climate change,disasters and armed conflict

By Toda Peace Institute on Aug 14, 2023 10:44 am
A new book provides a comprehensive answer to the question of whether or not disasters increase armed conflict risks. It studies 36 cases of large-scale disasters striking conflict zones in 22 countries in the period 1990-2015. 

Flash FloodGuidance System (FFGS): Advancing women in meteorology and hydrology

By World Meteorological Organization on Aug 14, 2023 10:17 am
Facilitated by funding from USAID/BHA, the workshop convened 16 FFGS female experts from National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs), representing all 6 WMO Regional Associations (RAs). 

Wildfires are asevere blow to Maui’s tourism-based economy, but other iconic destinations havecome back from similar disasters

By Conversation Media Group, the on Aug 14, 2023 10:12 am
Compared to other destinations, Hawaii is very reliant on tourism – it comprises about 25% of the state’s economy. Visitor spending was projected to be US$20.8 billion in 2023 and $23.4 billion in 2026. 

Incrementalenvironmental change can be as hazardous as a sudden shock – managing these‘slow-burning’ risks is vital

By Conversation Media Group, the on Aug 11, 2023 04:42 pm
Incremental changes in our environments can evade regulation if their effects are slow-burning, uncertain, or there is a time lag between cause and effect. 

‘Australia issleepwalking’: a bushfire scientist explains what the Hawaii tragedy means forour flammable continent

By Conversation Media Group, the on Aug 11, 2023 04:15 pm
For Australians, the reports inevitably bring back memories of our awful Black Summer in 2019-20. Like the Maui tragedy, those huge, uncontrollable bushfires were a terrifying glimpse of the intense fires we can expect as climate change worsens. 

As the Earthgets hotter, can our cities get cooler?

By World Resources Institute on Aug 11, 2023 04:04 pm
At the global scale, people in developing countries, particularly in South Asia, Africa and East Asia, who have contributed the least to cause climate change and do not have the resources to adapt are expected to have their health impacted the most. 

Movie-inspiredtechnology successfully collects hail data from eye of the storm

By Western University of Health Sciences on Aug 11, 2023 03:58 pm
Western researchers use tiny sensors to understand conditions for hailstone growth 

Climateprojections detail future risks for many people worldwide

By Bay Area Environmental Research Institute on Aug 11, 2023 03:53 pm
A recent study, built to enable local action, illustrates the extreme climate effects of 2°C of warming 

Fijian farmerstruggles to keep family tradition alive as changing weather patterns playhavoc with crops

By Australian Broadcasting Corporation on Aug 11, 2023 02:56 pm
Memories of an earthquake in Vanuatu almost 60 years ago: the lessons learned and the similarities to natural disasters today. 

What are China's'sponge cities' and why aren't they stopping floods?

By Thomson Reuters on Aug 11, 2023 02:36 pm
China has been hit by devastating floods in recent weeks, inundating cities and causing deaths and infrastructural damage, as well as raising questions about the effectiveness of its 2015 "sponge city" initiative aimed at reducing urban flood risks. 

From ‘no-go’ to‘must have’: where next for premium support?

By Centre for Disaster Protection on Aug 11, 2023 01:32 pm
Insurance enables countries to understand risks better, manage them, and build financial protection before a disaster hits. In the past decade, development donors and international organisations have created a wide range of products and risk pools. 

A look intopoverty and disaster preparedness in Haiti

By World Bank, the on Aug 11, 2023 11:53 am
Most people would remember the devastating earthquake that hit Haiti in 2010 claiming the lives of more than 220,000 Haitians. This tragedy brought the country's longstanding struggle with disasters to the forefront of global attention. 

Socialprotection and climate action – where are we heading?

By Red Cross / Red Crescent Climate Centre on Aug 10, 2023 04:38 pm
In a world grappling with the dual challenges of climate change and socio-economic inequalities and vulnerability, fostering coherence between social protection (SP) and climate action becomes imperative, a Climate Centre brief published today argues. 

NASA SPoRT’slightning prediction tool provides critical weather forecasting support at Rockthe South

By National Aeronautics and Space Administration on Aug 10, 2023 03:36 pm
On Friday, July 21st, 2023, over 35,000 people were denied entry to Rock the South’s outdoor country music festival in Cullman, Alabama at 3 P.M. due to the threat of lightning in the area. 

Amazon CitiesForum aspires to strengthen climate resilience and sustainability viaintermunicipal solidarity

By Making Cities Resilient 2030 (MCR2030) on Aug 10, 2023 02:38 pm
The Amazon Cities Forum sought to include the specificities and challenges of the Amazon territories in the structuring of a common agenda for sustainability and climate resilience, highlighting the fundamental role of local governments. 

Canadians areunprepared for natural hazards. Here’s what we can do about it

By Conversation Media Group, the on Aug 10, 2023 01:53 pm
Over the last year, Canada has made important progress toward making it easier for people to determine if they’re at risk from natural hazard disasters. 

How wetterstorms drive mold-related health issues as Hurricane Ian’s anniversaryapproaches

By Climate Central on Aug 10, 2023 01:52 pm
Rain pounded outside as water pushed in through the baseboards. Hurricane Ian had reached Southwest Florida. Christian Childers and Kendra Elliott hunkered with their two boys, staying away from windows in the hallway of their Englewood home. 

AI can helpforecast air quality, but freak events like 2023’s summer of wildfire smokerequire traditional methods too

By Conversation Media Group, the on Aug 10, 2023 01:45 pm
Wildfire smoke from Canada’s extreme fire season has left a lot of people thinking about air quality and wondering what to expect in the days ahead. 

A decade afterthe floods, is Kedarnath safer?

By The Third Pole on Aug 10, 2023 01:41 pm
A fresh reminder of the area’s fragility came on the night of 4 August 2023, when a major landslide hit the Kedarnath pilgrimage route amid heavy rains. The landslide washed away several shops near Gaurikund, the start of the Kedarnath trek. 

From India toLagos, can 'superfood' millet make climate comeback?

By Context on Aug 10, 2023 01:31 pm
Millet is being touted for its drought resilience and nutritional value but a sustained comeback depends on consumer acceptance 

Forestprotectors in the Philippines: How Indigenous groups are safeguarding natureand supporting the fight against climate change

By United Nations Development Programme - Headquarters on Aug 10, 2023 01:28 pm
In the mountainous province of Bukidnon in the southern Philippines, the impacts of climate change are becoming clearer and clearer by the day. 

Measuring theextent of global droughts in unprecedented detail

By University of Bonn on Aug 10, 2023 01:10 pm
A team of geodesists at the University of Bonn have come up with a new set of data that shows how the total distribution of water over the Earth’s land surfaces has changed over the past 20 years more accurately than ever before. 

Women areleading the charge in addressing climate impacts in Karonga, Malawi

By Global Resilience Partnership on Aug 10, 2023 12:55 pm
In Malawi, we meet Katie Chisambi and Patricia Chibaka, who, together with their community, are working to address the aftermath of extreme weather events. 

Deadly wildfiresburn across Maui – it’s a reminder of the growing risk to communities that onceseemed safe

By Conversation Media Group, the on Aug 10, 2023 12:48 pm
Most fires in the U.S. are suppressed before they have a chance to threaten communities but the winds were too strong to send helicopters into the sky to help contain Maui’s fires on the first day leaving firefighters to battle the blazes from the ground. 

Navigating thestorm – How urbanization and climate change exacerbate the risk of flooding

By World Bank, the on Aug 09, 2023 03:35 pm
The sixth edition of the Economic Update on Mauritania published by the World Bank analyzes recent economic developments and examines the new challenges posed by climate change, marked by a recurrent cycle of droughts and floods. 

A crisis ofisolation is making heat waves more deadly

By Grist Magazine on Aug 09, 2023 03:14 pm
As extreme heat worsens, cities are exploring ways to reach isolated individuals before it’s too late. 

Understanding anextreme weather event with science and local knowledge

By Eos - AGU on Aug 09, 2023 03:10 pm
Researchers in Mexico integrate science and community knowledge to assess the ecological and social impact of an extreme frost. 

How climatechange might trigger more earthquakes and volcanic eruptions

By Conversation Media Group, the on Aug 09, 2023 03:05 pm
Earth’s climate is changing rapidly. In some areas, escalating temperatures are increasing the frequency and likelihood of wildfires and drought. In others, they are making downpours and storms more intense or accelerating the pace of glacial melting. 

Wildfireexposure decreases chances of survival for vulnerable cancer patients, studyshows

By Emory University on Aug 09, 2023 02:57 pm
People exposed to a wildfire within a year after having lung cancer surgery have significantly lower chances of survival compared to lung cancer patients who are not exposed to wildfires, researchers found. 

Beaver-like damscan enhance existing flood management strategies for at-risk communities, studyfinds

By Cardiff University on Aug 09, 2023 02:51 pm
River barriers made up of natural materials like trees, branches, logs and leaves can reduce flooding in at-risk communities by storing water upstream, new research has found. 

Sowingresilience: How Colombia's Indigenous Peoples adapt to climate change

By United Nations Development Programme - Headquarters on Aug 09, 2023 02:48 pm
Indigenous People’s ancestral traditional knowledge is deeply rooted in our planet and can serve as a guide to overcoming climate challenges. 

Why bringingback the arvo nap could help us adapt to extreme heat

By Australian National University on Aug 09, 2023 02:45 pm
Too much air conditioning may be harming our health, according to a new study led by researchers at The Australian National University (ANU). 

How to makeurban hills safer: Cross-city dialogue on landslide risk management

By World Bank, the on Aug 09, 2023 02:22 pm
Cities are at the forefront of understanding risks and devising ways to manage them. Extreme weather events are on the rise, putting dense urban centers with their high concentrations of people and capital, in the line of fire. 

FEMA maps saidthey weren’t in a flood zone. Then came the rain.

By Grist Magazine on Aug 09, 2023 01:50 pm
Flaws in federal flood maps leave millions unprepared. Some are trying to fix that. 

Fanning theflames: Wildfires emit potent climate-warming organic particles

By Washington University in St. Louis on Aug 08, 2023 03:17 pm
As Canadian wildfire smoke continues to impact swaths of the United States, resulting in poor air quality and negative health outcomes for millions of Americans, more people than ever are feeling the effects of longer fire seasons and a changing climate. 

Weathering theStorm: Insurance in a changing climate

By Climate Council of Australia on Aug 08, 2023 02:51 pm
Extreme weather events are worsening across Australia. Since the Black Summer bushfires in 2019-20, there have been 11 declared insurance catastrophes. Since January 2020 insurers have received almost 788,000 claims related to floods and storms. 

Call forapplication: IRDR Young Scientists Programme (5th batch)

By Integrated Research on Disaster Risk on Aug 08, 2023 02:45 pm
IRDR Young Scientists Programme is established to promote capacity building of young professionals, and encourage them to undertake innovative and needs-based research which improves DRR research, policy and practice interaction. 

UNITAR Women’sLeadership in Tsunami-based Disaster Risk Reduction Training Programme forWorld Tsunami Awareness Day 2023

By United Nations Institute for Training and Research on Aug 08, 2023 02:15 pm
Women living in or from the Pacific Island countries and territories are invited to apply to the UNITAR Women’s Leadership in Tsunami-based Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) for World Tsunami Awareness Day 2023. 

Storm Antoni:why naming storms is a risky business

By Conversation Media Group, the on Aug 08, 2023 10:58 am
Since 2015, the UK’s Met Office has used forenames to label storms, as a strategy for improving people’s awareness of severe weather warnings. 

Helpingcommunities help themselves: early warning systems help save lives

By Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research on Aug 08, 2023 10:31 am
In response to taking on a more proactive approach that will help communities better prepare for such disasters, led by IWMI in collaboration with World Vision Sri Lanka, the CGIAR ClimBeR, recently led a series of anticipatory action drills. 

In the future,we could snuff out cyclones. But weather control comes with new risks

By Conversation Media Group, the on Aug 08, 2023 10:24 am
As cyclones get stronger, we will urgently need new institutions to help tackle scientific uncertainties, develop monitoring capabilities and find ways of making collaborative decisions at speed. 

Slovenia floods:Damage caused by ‘worst-ever disaster’ due to poor spatial planning, researchshows

By Down To Earth on Aug 08, 2023 09:53 am
Government adopts changes to Natural Disaster Recovery Act to expedite relief, remedial actions 

Regional projectstrengthens early warnings in the Caribbean

By World Meteorological Organization on Aug 08, 2023 09:47 am
A successful 3,5-year project in the Caribbean has demonstrated the benefits of strong collaboration between development agencies and local partner and of better weather, water and climate services to save lives and livelihoods of vulnerable communities. 

New onlineresources to help the community understand flood risks and be prepared

By Central Coast Council on Aug 08, 2023 09:42 am
Central Coast Council has developed online flood risk tools and updated flood and emergency planning information on centralcoast.nsw.gov.au, to help the local community understand their own flood risk and be adequately prepared to respond.