Research briefs

A new study predicts that in the coming decades the United States’ heat problem will grow more dangerous and expensive, as a warming climate will drive thousands more people into emergency rooms across the country and could cost tens of millions more dollars in treatment by 2050.

According to a new study, coastal floods could impact up to 3.65 million people every year in Europe by 2100. Without increased investment in coastal adaptation, the expected annual damage caused by coastal floods in Europe could increase from €1.25 billion today to between €93 billion and €961 billion by the end of the century.

Young farmers who live and work on farms in isolated areas and are in financial hardship are the most likely to experience personal drought-related psychological stress. Therefore, strengthening personal, financial, social, and professional support for farmers may help in adapting to droughts when drought-related stress is affecting their mental health.

According to an analysis of 56% of the world's population, the cost of climate-driven changes in global mortality risk alone are as large as the Obama administration's estimates of the economy-wide toll of climate change. Even after accounting for adaptation, an additional 1.5 million people will die per year from climate change by 2100 if emission trends continue.

Story mapping is a versatile tool for engaging with people whose tales often go untold, informing how communities and governments think about the history and future of the places they call home. In the context of climate change, they can be used to make personal and geographically detailed narratives about risks and their impacts.

Recent heatwave and drought could be changing vegetation composition and soil moisture, which in turn impacts underlying microbial networks. This could have a profound effect on ecosystems because these organisms are not only responsible for producing the soil needed to grow crops, they also yield many other benefits, such as cleaning water and regulating greenhouse gas emissions.

New research shows that E. coli levels in two of Houston’s major bayous were significantly elevated in the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Harvey compared with numbers obtained before the hurricane, increasing the risk of disease contraction. Similarly, antibiotic-resistance gene levels were highest three days after the storm.

Managing moorland wildfire risk is not just about putting out fires. It is also about reducing the risk of fires starting and spreading, which involves the cooperation of many diverse interest groups, so fire and rescue services work collaboratively with other stakeholders such as mountain rescue groups, local councils, police forces and government agencies.

To best support the well-being of farmers, we need to support them not just in the middle of a drought, but also when the rain comes. Emergency responses must be accompanied by long-term coordinated support, delivered through the whole drought cycle, which helps farmers prepare and cope when drought is happening and recover rapidly afterwards.

A new study indicates that the magnitude of violent, sexual and property crime in Tshwane, South Africa, is higher on hot days compared to cold or random temperature days. The results could help law enforcement agencies better understand how weather affects crime patterns in South Africa’s urban areas and develop and implement appropriate crime prevention measures.