There’s no denying our new climate reality: We must rethink disaster management
There’s no denying our new climate reality: We must rethink disaster management The Hill
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There’s no denying our new climate reality: We must rethink disaster management
Introduction
Our communities can’t afford slow action in response to changing realities, which is why we need action at all levels of government to plan for future climate resilience.
Unprecedented Climate Impacts
In recent years, we have witnessed unprecedented climate impacts across the country. From intense summer storms flooding communities in the Northeast to rapid melting of winter snowpack in Utah, historic rains following a historic drought in California, and an increase in tornadoes and forest fires, these events are becoming more frequent and severe.
The Need for Unprecedented Action
These unprecedented times call for unprecedented action. The costs and risks of disasters are increasing, causing significant damage and economic losses. Flooding alone has caused over $119 billion in damage and economic losses in 2022. Wildfires are also putting state budgets under strain.
The Changing Conversation
Even the way we talk about disasters is changing. Terms like “atmospheric river” have entered everyday conversations as we try to make sense of the changing climate patterns. It is clear that we need to do more to prepare for the future.
The Importance of Collaboration
Long-term success in increasing resilience to future storms, wildfires, and other disasters requires effective collaboration between all levels of government and an engaged, informed public. There have been significant gaps in resilience planning, particularly in low-income communities. Bipartisan legislation in Congress aims to create a national framework and leadership to streamline funding and support for state and local disaster resilience programs.
Looking Ahead
We are only halfway through 2023, and we have already seen numerous weather records broken. The Atlantic hurricane season could bring more trouble. It is crucial that we take action at all levels of government to plan for future climate resilience and have strong leadership to guide us through this more destructive and less predictable future.
Conclusion
Our new climate reality demands immediate and comprehensive action. We must rethink disaster management and prioritize resilience planning at all levels of government. By working together and taking proactive measures, we can better prepare for the challenges ahead and protect our communities.
Tags
- Climate change
- Disaster preparedness
- Disaster relief
- Extreme weather
- Flooding
- Politics of the United States
Source: The Hill
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 15: Life on Land
The article discusses the increasing climate impacts, such as intense storms, flooding, melting snowpack, historic droughts, tornados, and forest fires. These issues are connected to SDG 11, which focuses on creating sustainable cities and communities that are resilient to climate-related disasters. SDG 13, which aims to take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts, is also relevant to the article. Additionally, SDG 15, which focuses on protecting and restoring ecosystems and promoting sustainable land use, is connected to the discussion of wildfires and their impact on state budgets.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 11.5: By 2030, significantly reduce the number of deaths and the number of people affected and substantially decrease the direct economic losses relative to global gross domestic product caused by disasters, including water-related disasters, with a focus on protecting the poor and people in vulnerable situations.
- SDG 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
- SDG 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains, and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements.
Based on the article’s content, the following targets can be identified:
– SDG 11.5: The article discusses the need for action at all levels of government to plan for future climate resilience and reduce the economic losses caused by disasters.
– SDG 13.1: The article emphasizes the need for increased resilience and preparedness in the face of changing climate impacts.
– SDG 15.1: The article mentions the impact of wildfires on ecosystems and the need for their conservation and restoration.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
Yes, the article mentions indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:
– Number of deaths and people affected by disasters: The article discusses the increasing frequency and severity of climate-related disasters, such as flooding, tornados, and wildfires, which can be used as indicators to measure progress towards reducing the number of deaths and people affected by disasters (SDG 11.5).
– Economic losses caused by disasters: The article mentions the significant costs and economic losses associated with flooding and wildfires, indicating the need to decrease direct economic losses relative to global gross domestic product (SDG 11.5).
– Resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards: The article emphasizes the importance of strengthening resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters (SDG 13.1).
– Conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of ecosystems: The article highlights the impact of wildfires on ecosystems and the need for their conservation and restoration (SDG 15.1).
4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | SDG 11.5: By 2030, significantly reduce the number of deaths and the number of people affected and substantially decrease the direct economic losses relative to global gross domestic product caused by disasters, including water-related disasters, with a focus on protecting the poor and people in vulnerable situations. | – Number of deaths and people affected by disasters – Economic losses caused by disasters |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | SDG 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries. | – Resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards |
| SDG 15: Life on Land | SDG 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains, and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements. | – Conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of ecosystems |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: thehill.com
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