Introduction: Extreme Weather, Health and Communities: Why Consider the Connections?

Abstract

This chapter introduces the importance of thinking about interdisci- plinary approaches to examining extreme weather, health and communities. Weather extremes are a challenge. In sudden storms, long periods of drought, heat waves or cold spells, people either cope or suffer the consequences. World popu- lations today are facing extreme weather in many forms, including excessive heat, mega-storms, tornados, fl oods and drought. This is weather that threatens the health, safety and wellbeing of rich and poor alike. Special challenges emerge for those who lack the wealth and social power to prepare for or move away from extreme weather threats. This chapter presents the rationale for the chapters that follow, and the detailed case studies of radical weather and the problems left behind: the people harmed, the physical environments altered and the lasting health issues. It explores the connections among them, the best practices in community response to them, and the successes of interdisciplinary tactics in dealing with them across various geographies, customs and cultures. Weather extremes have been a challenge since life on earth began. Whether caught in sudden storms or subjected to long stretches of extreme drought, heat or cold, people must either cope or suffer the consequences of changing weather and environments. The world continues to face extreme weather in the form of excessive heat, mega-storms, tornados, fl ooding and drought. These events often pose major health threats to communities around the world. Effects of such envi- ronmental health challenges are especially signi fi cant for vulnerable populations that lack the economic wealth and social power to prepare or move away from extreme weather threats. Poorer populations are often relegated to living in envi- ronmentally marginalized areas, and as a result, experience greater suffering.