Links to discuss over the Zoom dinner table

November 25, 2020

My World’s on Fire is a newsletter about disasters from journalist Colleen Hagerty. My goal is to help you feel a bit more at ease about our unpredictable world by equipping you with in-depth reporting and insights. I can only do that with your continued support, so please subscribe and spread the word!

“So, are you still single?”

“Yes, but did you hear about the 19th-century shipwreck Hurricane Eta unearthed off the coast of Florida?”

Sending this week’s links edition early to help you tackle all those tough holiday conversations. I’ll be back to my regularly-scheduled Thursday posts next week!

On my radar

  • 🎥 I was serious about that shipwreck An impressively observant passerby spotted it on the beach! (NBC News)

  • 📚 The ongoing impacts of Eta & Iota I can’t bring up Hurricane Eta without acknowledging the continuing crisis in Central America. This article offers a comprehensive look at challenges residents are facing in the wake of both storms, as well as some of the aid organizations offering help. (The New Humanitarian)

  • 📚 A California cabin community’s unique rebuilding challengesMore than a dozen structures were destroyed when the Bobcat fire tore through Big Santa Anita Canyon in the Angeles National Forest. As residents consider next steps, this article touches on the particular hurdles this historic area has ahead. For starters: “Because there is no electricity in the canyon, any power tools would have to run on generators. There are also no roads, so construction supplies and building materials must be carried in by foot or via donkeys…” (Los Angeles Times)

  • 📚Let’s talk tornadoesOn Tuesday, a tornado swept through Arlington, Texas, displacing dozens and destroying a number of buildings (link in title). After reading that news, I came across this really interesting feature about how scientists are trying to build better tornado warning systems by tuning into “infrasound.” (Associated Press/CNET)

  • 📚 And for more science/tech news, we go to NASA… Last week, the agency launched the first of a pair of satellites that will track how global sea levels are rising. (The Verge)

  • 📱Welcome to ‘Mt Resilience’Australian broadcaster ABC created an augmented reality town, Mt Resilience, that “withstands and adapts” to various disasters, including heatwaves, fires, and storms. I definitely recommend checking out not just the article, but the video and experience itself for a smart and fresh approach to talking about building better cities. (ABC News AU)

  • 📚 Biden chooses Alejandro Mayorkas to lead the DHS As I mentioned in last week’s newsletter, there’s a lot we still don’t know about President-Elect Joe Biden’s disaster approach. He did, however, move forward with one key nomination this week: Alejandro Mayorkas to lead the Department of Homeland Security, which includes FEMA. Click to read more about Mayorkas’ previous experience in the department. (NPR)

As always…

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Now, here’s a little something for reading to the end.

Colleen