Knowledge Base highlights and editors' picks

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Every week the PreventionWeb team of editors selects the latest news and research, reports and publications on disaster risk reduction – here is their selection of the latest must-read content.

Na Pali coast, Kauai, Hawaii view from sea sunset cruise tour. Nature coastline landscape in Kauai island, Hawaii, USA.

Update

16 August 2023

Hawaii’s climate future: Dry regions get drier with global warming, increasing fire risk − while wet areas get wetter

The islands of Hawaii are world renowned for their generally pleasant and tranquil weather. However the wildfire tragedy was a reminder that Hawaii also can experience drought and hot, dry, windy weather, providing the conditions for destructive fires.

Conversation Media Group, the

An aerial view of damage caused by Hurricane Harvey in Texas, USA (2017)

Research briefs

16 August 2023

Hurricanes have become deadlier, especially for socially vulnerable

Landmark study in Science Advances reveals variation of excess deaths after hurricanes in the U.S. varied by hurricane season, geography, and social vulnerability.

Mailman School of Public Health (Columbia University)

Documents and publications

16 August 2023

How can Africa manage the transboundary climate risks it faces?

This policy brief, produced for AMCEN 2023, highlights five significant transboundary climate risks in Africa that urgently need consideration for management.

Aerial view of the New York central park and the center of Manhattan.

Update

14 August 2023

Throwing shade: Model maps NYC street trees’ cooling benefits

Cornell researchers’ “leaf-level” visualization of every tree in New York City – and how much shade each provides – could inform new strategies for mitigating extreme heat there, and in other cities coping with record-breaking temperatures.

Cornell University

A Black adult man has a headache. He sits and holds his hands on his head in a dark room.

Research briefs

15 August 2023

Extreme heat may hasten cognitive decline in vulnerable populations

Black older adults and residents of disadvantaged neighborhoods at greater risk for cognitive decline linked to heat waves

New York University

Documents and publications

15 August 2023

Women’s resilience: How laws and policies promote gender equality in climate change, environment, and disaster risk management in Asia and the Pacific

This brief outlines how gender-responsive laws and policies can help women in Asia and the Pacific become more resilient to climate change and disasters—if they are matched by steps to tackle the underlying causes of vulnerability.

Photograph of a mobile phone with cyclone moving towards the coast shown. The background is yellow with warning sign.

Update

14 August 2023

Africa: Investment in ‘hydromet systems’ would provide a nine-to-one ROI in saved lives and assets

Investment in ‘hydromet systems’ using technologies from AI to SMS would provide a nine-to-one ROI in saved lives and assets across African nations.

University of Cambridge

Research briefs

14 August 2023

Extreme bushfires pose serious threat to global climate

As the world faces more extreme bushfires there are serious concerns these fires will exacerbate the global effects of climate change.

University of New South Wales

Update

14 August 2023

Why older people are some of those worst affected by climate change

While we are all affected to some extent by extreme weather, it is older adults, especially older women and those with disabilities, who tend to be the most vulnerable. Who struggles most is partly determined by age but also pre-existing health conditions

Conversation Media Group, the

A Red Pin on Timor-Leste of the World Map

Update

11 August 2023

An early warning system for disasters takes shape in Timor-Leste

Timor-Leste has a rich ecosystem of marine biodiversity coral reefs and mangroves. But this island nation in South East Asia is also one of the most vulnerable to extreme weather and slow-onset climatic events, like sea level rise.

United Nations Environment Programme