A major, long-lasting heat wave is spreading through the country over the next week. Many of these states are also in the throes of a dangerous surge in COVID-19 cases. Read more >
COVID-Climate Collision
Union of Concerned Scientists’ Climate team analyzes the collision between the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change.
NASA
Temporada peligrosa de huracanes comienza en medio de pandemia COVID-19
Astrid Caldas, climate scientist
May 21, 2020 12:32 PM EDT
COVID-19 nos tomó por asalto, pero probablemente no será la única amenaza que veremos este año. Read more >
The First COVID-19 Era Hurricane Season Is Here. Are We Ready?
Rachel Cleetus, Policy Director and Lead Economist, Climate & Energy
May 21, 2020 11:51 AM EDT
Today NOAA announced its 2020 Atlantic hurricane season forecast and projected an above average year, with a likely range of 6-10 hurricanes and 3-6 major hurricanes expected. This year, we also face hurricane season amidst the ongoing COVID-19 crisis and a worsening economic downturn—yet another example of compound risks that are part of our new normal. Our nation’s ability to keep people safe is going to be severely tested, and in large part depends on how well the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and state and local authorities work together under these unprecedented circumstances.
NASA
Dangerous Hurricane Season To Open Amidst COVID-19
Astrid Caldas, climate scientist
May 21, 2020 11:42 AM EDT
COVID-19 took us by storm but likely won’t be the only storm we will see this year.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has just released its Atlantic hurricane season outlook for 2020, forecasting an above-average hurricane season with 13-19 named storms, of which 6-10 could turn into hurricanes. Of these hurricanes, 3-6 could become major. If the outlook projections materialize, 2020 would be the fifth year in a row with above-normal tropical cyclone activity. In addition, the NOAA outlook comes on the heels of the first named Atlantic tropical storm of the season, Arthur, which – for the sixth year in a row – formed before the official start of hurricane season, June 1.
Mapas mostrando dónde los más vulnerables están azotados por COVID-19 en EEUU señalan una injusticia creciente
May 15, 2020 2:28 PM EDT
Publicado en inglés el 20 de abril, 2020 a 17:08 horas EDT
Los peligros ambientales amenazan a las personas en todo el mundo. Entre estos están la contaminación del aire y del agua que proviene de riesgos industriales y tóxicos, los fenómenos meteorológicos extremos (exacerbados por el cambio climático), y las amenazas a la salud pública como el nuevo coronavirus que causa el COVID-19. Los impactos de estos peligros no se distribuyen con equidad en la población, y las pérdidas de vidas y de propiedad suelen ser mayores entre los integrantes de las comunidades vulnerables. Read more >
