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Vulnerable Communities

All articles tagged with #vulnerable communities

politics1 year ago

Pritzker Vows to Defend Illinois Against Trump's Influence

Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker has pledged that the state will support vulnerable communities following Donald Trump's projected presidential victory. Pritzker, a supporter of Kamala Harris, expressed concern for groups feeling uncertain about their future, including women, minorities, and immigrants. He emphasized Illinois' commitment to progressive values and protections, stating his intention to continue advocating for these causes. Pritzker, who began his political career in response to Trump's first term, has not yet announced plans for reelection or a potential Senate run in 2026.

environment2 years ago

"The Devastating Impact of Rising Waters on an Island Community"

Nyangai Island in Sierra Leone is disappearing due to rising sea levels and coastal erosion, leaving its inhabitants vulnerable and displaced. With a lack of proper defenses and limited resources, the islanders are unable to protect their homes and livelihoods. The island's chief has appealed for government assistance, but Nyangai is not a priority. The island's population has dwindled, and those who remain face increasing hardships, including flooding, lack of clean water, and limited sanitation. The future of Nyangai is uncertain, and the islanders have resigned themselves to the fate of their home being in the hands of a higher power.

climate-change2 years ago

The Growing Financial Toll of Climate Change on American Households

A new mapping and data tool developed by Environmental Defense Fund and Texas A&M University researchers identifies 184 climate risks faced by communities across the United States, with a focus on the disproportionate vulnerability of Black and Indigenous populations to extreme heat. The tool aims to provide residents with knowledge about the climate risks they face and empower them to advocate for resources and change. The mapping tool reveals disparities in publicly funded services and resources, such as the absence of cooling centers in Beaumont, Texas, a city experiencing more heat-related deaths than 93% of the country. The tool combines 184 data sets to rank the risks of over 70,000 U.S. census tracts, offering a comprehensive view of climate vulnerability. Researchers hope the tool will hold policymakers accountable and spur legislative action to address climate disparities.

climate-change2 years ago

"Florida's Hurricane Ian survivors face double blow: Heat wave and repair costs"

Survivors of Hurricane Ian in Florida are facing a "second disaster" as they endure record-breaking heat and humidity. The extreme heat has compounded the challenges faced by those who lost their homes and possessions in the hurricane, making it difficult to find stable housing and exacerbating health issues. The heat has also affected the availability of affordable housing, with many elderly residents unable to leave the area due to the loss of their community. The combination of hurricanes and extreme heat highlights the increasing frequency and severity of climate-intensified threats, disproportionately impacting vulnerable communities.

environment2 years ago

India's Heatwaves Devastate Vulnerable Populations.

Recurring heatwaves in India, exacerbated by climate change, are taking a toll on vulnerable communities, including construction workers who endure gruelling 12-hour workdays in temperatures exceeding 45 degrees Celsius. Heatwaves can lead to health issues and even deaths, particularly among those who endure chronic conditions. The poorest in society are most affected, as they often lack access to relief measures such as air conditioning. While many Indian cities have heat action plans in place, they are often inadequate or not implemented properly, leaving vulnerable communities out. Better city planning, including planting more trees for shade, is needed to provide better adaptation for heat stress.

climate-change2 years ago

Global Study Identifies Regions Most Vulnerable to Record Heat Waves

A new study by researchers in Britain identifies places most at risk from extreme heat waves due to global warming. The study found that regions covering 31% of Earth's land surface have experienced heat so extraordinary that, statistically, it shouldn't have happened. However, there are still many areas that haven't yet experienced such extreme heat, including economically developed places like Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg, and developing countries like Afghanistan, Guatemala, Honduras, and Papua New Guinea, that are more likely to lack resources to keep people safe. The study emphasizes the need for preparedness in vulnerable communities and highlights the importance of remaining "humble" about all of the climatic extremes that can arise.

climate-and-environment2 years ago

India's Struggle with Heat Waves and Human Survival Limits

Indian authorities need more resources and better preparation to deal with searing heat, particularly for the most vulnerable communities around the country, a New Delhi-based think tank said. At least 26,000 people have died due to heat in the last 30 years in India alone. The Centre for Policy Research found that the heat action plans are not updated regularly, don’t have separate budgets in most cases, have no legal support to implement them and the most vulnerable populations in any given region are not identified in the plans.