Climate – NYU GPH Journal of Public Health Disasters

December 23, 2024December 23, 2024

Rachel Rosenberg, Olivia Morris, Kristin Memoli’s Wildfire Disaster Plan for Hawaii

Introduction: Wildfires can pose a great threat, especially when the community and emergency responders are not prepared for a mass incident, as demonstrated by the 2023 wildfires that spread through the island of Maui. On August 8th, 2023, Maui was experiencing a severe drought when high winds caused by Hurricane Dora led to the rapid spread of wildfires. Some of the wildfires reached thousands of acres in size and lasted for several days, causing at least $5.5 billion in damages. The town of Lahaina was the most heavily impacted, with 102 fatalities and many more losing their homes. More than 80% of Lahaina’s buildings were destroyed, accounting for some of the 2,200 structures that were damaged as a result of the fires.

December 23, 2024December 23, 2024

Powerful Southern California Wildfires Cause Thousands to Evacuate

Over 4,000 acres of land were caught in flames in the most recent California wildfire, which occurred in Malibu this past month. As of December 13, the Franklin Fire had burned 4,037 acres, with 35% containment achieved. The destructive fire forced nearly 20,000 people to evacuate their homes, and many others were placed on high alert. Authorities issued evacuation warnings and monitored the situation closely.

December 19, 2024December 19, 2024

Lexie Zinselmeier, Luis Guillermo Gómez Escobar, and Rao Fu’s Dengue Disaster Response Plan for Kenya

Introduction: As climate change continues to increase the average global temperature, the burden of vector-borne diseases continues to rise. This is evident in the most common mosquito-borne disease worldwide, dengue. Currently in Africa there are 13 countries with active transmission, including Kenya. Poverty, combined with inadequate sanitation significantly contributes to dengue outbreaks in Kenya. Poor waste management and lack of proper drainage systems lead to stagnant water in urban areas, creating breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

December 19, 2024

Dagoberto Jameson, Ritu Bhatt, and Neha Shyamkul’s Mpox Disaster Response Plan for New York City

Introduction: Mpox is an infectious disease that has led to a global outbreak in many African countries since 2022 and continues spreading globally to this day. Mpox spreads from close contacts, such as skin to skin, mouth to mouth, mouth to skin, and face to face. According to the WHO, the current outbreak in Central Africa and now in the U.S. has been classified as a public health emergency. Since November 2024, 391 people in New York City have tested positive for Mpox.

December 19, 2024December 19, 2024

Natalia Ramon, Brianna Baez, and Felipe Garcia Jr.’s West Nile Outbreak Disaster Response Plan for Colorado

Introduction: Since 2002, West Nile Virus has been consistently reported in Colorado. In 2023, the incidence of West Nile Virus cases increased significantly due to a rise in the mosquito population, which can be attributed to higher levels of rainfall. Since 2003, Colorado has documented a total of 6,714 cases of West Nile Virus, resulting in 229 fatalities and 1,697 hospitalizations associated with the virus. Notably, in 2023, the annual incidence of cases tripled compared to those reported in 2021.
While the risk of contracting West Nile Virus affects anyone living in areas where
mosquitoes are present, the behavioral patterns of Colorado residents may increase
their vulnerability.

December 12, 2024December 12, 2024

Uganda’s Fight to Turn the Tide Against the Hidden Crisis of Drowning

In Uganda, drowning remains a significant yet under-recognized public health disaster that claims nearly 3,000 lives annually. Lake Victoria, the world’s second-largest freshwater body, is the focal location that’s attributed to the severity of the crisis. The lake is becoming increasingly notorious for the danger posed by waterborne diseases, weather conditions, and high drowning rates. Meanwhile, the Parliament of Uganda and the Ministry of Health are currently employing solutions to address the crisis of drowning. These efforts place Uganda on track to become one of the first countries to implement a national drowning prevention strategy while educating the public.

December 12, 2024December 12, 2024

Report Offers a Guide to Attract and Retain a ‘Robust and Representative’ Wildland Fire Workforce

A recent report from Stanford University’s Climate & Energy Policy Program explores the barriers to attracting and retaining the United States federal wildland firefighter workforce. In the western U.S., wildfires are intensifying amid rising temperatures, droughts, and decreasing snowpack. As the frequency and intensity of extreme wildfires globally continue to grow, the Stanford report lays out a set of recommendations to address the workforce challenges.

December 6, 2024December 6, 2024

The Hidden Price of Air Pollution Inaction

Air pollution is an urgent crisis that exacerbates health risks. Individuals are becoming increasingly prone to respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, strokes, and more as a result of the changing environment. The Boston University School of Public Health (BUSPH) published an article discussing the progression of the new presidential administration leading towards weakening the Clean Air Act, which ultimately puts thousands of people at risk of death and exposes billions of dollars due to health costs.

December 5, 2024December 5, 2024

Wildfire Emergency Planning and Responding to Include People with Hearing Loss

Research has recently recognized that people with disabilities are particularly vulnerable to climate disasters. One study, which examined the challenges that individuals with hearing loss face in the context of wildfires, highlights actions for emergency planners, community members, rescue teams, and others when preparing for and responding to such disasters to better protect the population.

December 5, 2024December 5, 2024

Justin T. Andries’ Case Study on Middle Tennessee Flooding

In August 2021, Middle Tennessee experienced a catastrophic flood stemming from the impacts of climate change. The event devastated the community, ruining homes, businesses, and infrastructure and resulting in 20 deaths. The flood water caused widespread injuries and illnesses, from fractures, hypothermia, vector-borne diseases, and more.