Climate change is happening much faster than we thought it would. In fact, scientists haven't even fully documented the extent of everything that's happening, from melting polar ice caps to rising global temperatures. It may be time to start preparing yourself for what the future may hold and what types of natural disasters may be imminent, especially within the United States.
One of the biggest issues is sea level rise, which can cause serious problems in coastal areas, especially if it continues at the current rate. Droughts and flooding will become more frequent, with more intense weather events also taking place. Fish may die off much more rapidly than we thought, or they may not be able to survive their habitats anymore as water temperatures rise.
If we continue on the path we’re on, human life could face dramatic consequences, and billions of people could be impacted by extreme weather. Not to mention, the people affected by these natural disasters and climate change are often poorer populations in developing countries at a disproportionate rate. If we don’t take action soon, it could be too late to recover, especially when it comes to our ecosystems. It can be a scary reality to face or consider, but it’s essential to be prepared. Here are five natural disasters we should be more concerned about than we currently are.
NATURAL DISASTER #1 - RISING SEA LEVELS
Rising sea levels, both today and in the past, have profound economic and social consequences. These impacts are often felt far away from the coastlines they've already damaged. Sea-level rise can cause both coastal flooding and erosion of land, which affects local infrastructure such as roads and bridges. It can unleash powerful forces of nature, such as tsunamis or giant waves, making it harder to get to safety.
With heat waves and global temperatures rising, ice caps melt into the water, which speeds up the rise of sea levels. This excess heat raises the temperature of the water itself, making the ocean a breeding ground for disasters that thrive in warm water, like tropical cyclones and hurricanes, and harming ecosystems that are used to colder water temperatures.
Recent studies show coastal areas around the world are falling faster than ever before. The rate of sea-level rise is accelerating, with 100 locations potentially facing permanent flooding within the next century. If business owners and residents in coastal areas don't act fast, rising seas could threaten every industry — including tourism, which brings $42 billion in revenue to the US every year.
Here in the US, Massachusetts is ground zero for rising sea levels. With the highest tides in the nation, Massachusetts is at a clear risk for coastal flooding. Sea levels are rising, which means more water is pooling into our coastal cities, and some of our country’s oldest and most iconic cities are at risk. 
NATURAL DISASTER #2 - DROUGHT
Water is now becoming an essential resource, and we need to use it responsibly. We are now in a state of ‘water poverty,’ and some people are going to great lengths to ensure they have enough water. Having an atmospheric water generator like Spout can reduce the need to rely on more communal water sources and guarantees fresh, purified water from your home.
Water resources are a global issue. Experts believe that major droughts will continue to worsen over the next few years; perhaps most frighteningly, researchers predict that the drought will lead to an increased chance of conflict due to water scarcity in some regions of the world.
The situation with water is getting worse and worse. With fresh water sources running dry and the looming threat of drought, you may have to make some hard decisions. Are you doing everything you can at home to be more sustainable?
NATURAL DISASTER #3 - EXTREME WEATHER EVENTS
Of course, natural disasters have always been an issue that we have to face, including fires, floods, and storms. Climate change has impacted the frequency and severity of these events, though. When issues like drought or rising sea levels are already affecting an area, these natural disasters can cause the issues to spiral even more out of control. Let’s use an example. If an area near a volcano has been affected by heat waves or drought and the land is exceptionally dry, volcanic activity could cause massive fires and dry out the land even further. This would further the drought and make the land even more vulnerable to future natural disasters.
As we approach these days, weathermen are often stressing that these events may happen again, but how can you best prepare?
You can equip your homes, offices, or cars with proper storm protection like heat-resistant shutters, impact glass, or metal roofs. You can also create an evacuation plan or store emergency supplies in a safe part of your house. Lastly, you can educate yourself about the risks of natural disasters in your area and always heed the advice of local authorities, weathermen, etc.
NATURAL DISASTER #4 - WATER POLLUTION
It’s no secret that pollution is another growing problem, especially when considering the amount of oil spills, leaks, and other runoff from factories and nuclear plants. Some of the most developed countries in the world are still struggling to maintain the best quality of water for their citizens. Even here in the United States, there are cities where drinking water from the tap is not recommended or advised.
Even if you’re not located right next to a nuclear reactor or factory, runoff, and irrigation systems can cause contaminants and pollution to travel much farther than a small region or area. Plus, with hundreds of millions of people depending on communal water systems, the risks posed to health and wellness are dire. Aside from drinking water, pollution affects many things, including the air we breathe, the earth that plants grow on, and our very own human health.
NATURAL DISASTER #5 - TOXIC AIR
Air quality affects our health in many surprising ways. If you're like the rest of us and spend significant amounts of time outdoors, you're aware of the frequent impacts of pollution on your psyche and physical health. Yet there's still much we don't know about the effects of air pollution on our health, so let's look at some of the most recent research.
Airborne particles, known as "particulates," are the most dangerous air pollutants, according to a report published by Harvard University's Toxbase. These tiny solid particles can form when hot exhaust or smoke from a firework or other chemical reacts with droplets in the air, floating in those droplets until they form suspended in fine sediment and form a fine cloud or rain cloud. These particulates can remain airborne for several hours and can be transported hundreds of miles by human-made industrial activity, including shipping containers traveling on roads and trains, fire engines operating in urban areas, and even commercial aircraft.
Air quality affects your health in myriad ways. It increases your risk of heart disease, stroke, asthma attacks, and even cancer. New data from the World Health Organization has confirmed what many have suspected for years -- air pollution is a leading cause of death and disability in major cities like Beijing, Delhi, Los Angeles, and London.
HOW YOU CAN STAY SAFE
As we mentioned earlier, preparation and education are a huge part of staying safe. This may mean devising an emergency plan, keeping an eye on local news and weather reports, and having supplies in your home. Another thing you can do is to control as many of the resources as you can. For example, when it comes to water, having a Spout is an excellent way to maintain pure and accessible drinking water within your home as well as purify your air.
