Scientists say managed retreat from climate-related dangers has to start now, and they are exploring potential guidelines for response and adaptation.
disaster preparedness
Good, Soon, and Cheap – Earthquake Early Warning by Smartphone
Fixed smartphone networks can provide robust early warning of earthquakes at far lower costs than traditional scientific arrays, which is an important consideration for regions with limited resources.
Better Subseasonal-to-Seasonal Forecasts for Water Management
Emerging methods that improve precipitation forecasting over weeks to months could support more informed resource management and increase lead times for responding to droughts and floods.
Indian Cities Prepare for Floods with Predictive Technology
The number and intensity of floods are increasing—they can inundate neighborhoods in Chennai in just 15 minutes. New models can pinpoint and help warn vulnerable areas hours or even days in advance.
Nepal’s Communities Brace for Multihazard Risks
From its high mountains to its low plains, Nepal faces growing risks from natural hazards. Preparing for these risks requires accurate, locally relevant risk assessments and effective communications.
Forecasters Navigate a Highway to Success Around Lake Victoria
An early-warning system establishes international networks to help communities manage severe weather on Africa’s largest lake.
Earthquake Alerts Go Live in the Pacific Northwest
Oregon and Washington residents will receive an alert on their cell phones if they are in danger from an incoming quake.
Migrant Workers Among the Most Vulnerable to Himalayan Disasters
Critics say companies are failing to develop adequate emergency procedures to protect construction workers on hydropower plants in the Himalayas.
Tackling Challenges of a Drier, Hotter, More Fire-Prone Future
Research is increasingly showing how drought, heat, and wildfire influence each other. Ongoing collaborations provide templates for how best to study these phenomena and plan for their future impacts.
Fire as Medicine: Learning from Native American Fire Stewardship
For centuries, Indigenous peoples have worked to live in harmony with fire. Can integrating such cultural practices into contemporary wildfire management help prevent catastrophic wildfires?