Author: Justin Goldberg

Posted on

Study Highlights Access to Information and the Impact on Behaviors During COVID-19

Workers shift protective gear.

A recent study published in the Journal of Emergency Management and Disaster Communication studied the impact of access to information regarding emergency behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study examined disease knowledge, dynamic news, government measures, and media in the context of how guidelines and information were communicated to the general public. The researchers analyzed preventative behaviors and their correlation with perceived risk among the general public, highlighting the profound effects media, misinformation, and public perception have on adhering to guidelines. The study notes that past research excluded the effects of information access during large-scale health crises, instead focusing on common infectious diseases.

Continue reading “Study Highlights Access to Information and the Impact on Behaviors During COVID-19”
Posted on

Typhoon Shanshan Hits Japan, Millions Forced to Evacuate

Typhoon Shanshan hits Japan.

On August 30, Japan was struck by Typhoon Shanshan, prompting emergency warnings across the nation. Japanese authorities reported that over one million individuals were advised to evacuate due to extensive damage caused by the typhoon. Japan was hit with record-breaking rainfall and flooding, which particularly damaged structures along the southern coastline.

Continue reading “Typhoon Shanshan Hits Japan, Millions Forced to Evacuate”
Posted on

WHO Report Reveals Life Expectancy Decreases Since COVID-19 Pandemic

population concentration across the globe.

The World Health Organization (WHO) revealed its latest World Health Statistics through May 2024, showing that the COVID-19 pandemic led to a reversal in the upward trend in life expectancy. The organization’s data shows that the pandemic “wiped out nearly a decade of progress in improving life expectancy” within only two years—from 2019 to 2021. Global life expectancy is now at 71.4 years, a decrease of 1.8 years since the start of the pandemic.

Continue reading “WHO Report Reveals Life Expectancy Decreases Since COVID-19 Pandemic”
Posted on

Dengue Fever Cases Spike in the Americas

Mosquito on a human.

Earlier this year, federal health officials expressed concern about an increase in the number of individuals contracting dengue in 2024. Through just the first half of 2024, countries in the Americas reported more than twice the number of cases compared to the entirety of 2023. So far, over 10 million cases have been reported this year, with significant outbreaks in Brazil and Argentina. While the United States has experienced minimal cases, Puerto Rico recently declared a public health emergency following a reported 1,500 cases through March 2024. 

Continue reading “Dengue Fever Cases Spike in the Americas”
Posted on

Farmers at Risk for Bird Flu in the United States

Caged chickens.

In recent weeks, public health officials have expressed concern about the rise of avian flu in the United States, stating that at least three farm workers have been infected since March. The three individuals had direct exposure to dairy cows. Health experts have indicated that farm workers are at the highest risk, adding that this is a low hazard for the general public.

Continue reading “Farmers at Risk for Bird Flu in the United States”
Posted on

Individuals Urged to Stay Home as Blizzard Hit Nevada and California Regions

Blizzard conditions

On March 2nd, a blizzard with wind gusts up to 190 miles per hour hit the Sierra Nevada region, causing heavy snowfall around Lake Tahoe and Mammoth Mountain. Blizzard warnings were issued throughout the area and led to major roads to be shut down and stay-at-home orders to be placed. 

Continue reading “Individuals Urged to Stay Home as Blizzard Hit Nevada and California Regions”
Posted on

EPA Implements New Regulations to Combat Effects of Climate Change

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has implemented new policies aimed at limiting damages caused by disasters originating from chemical facilities. The new EPA rules directly address potential threats to society while mitigating the effects of such disasters. The new policies will be implemented in over 12,000 chemical plants and other industrial sites nationwide.

Continue reading “EPA Implements New Regulations to Combat Effects of Climate Change”