A recent report published by the association Climate Powerannounced that Latino communities in the United States have been victims of extreme weather this 2024, where they warn that there will be serious consequences for ignoring the problem.
And this 2024, USA had devastating weather events, such as heat waves that broke records in various regions of the American Union, as well as devastating hurricanes that were above average, droughts that caused fires and strong winter storms.
Unluckily,all of these events caused the death of 421 people,and also millions of dollars in losses. This amount does not include deaths that were recorded by extreme heat.
Moreover, this analysis revealed that a total of 304 people lost their lives as victims of the hurricanes and storms that hit the United States in 2024, which means 73% of the total deaths that are related to climatic events in the North American territory.
Hurricane Helene,which was the deadliest since Maria in 2017,and which became the deadliest hydrometeorological phenomenon in the United States,surpassing Katrina in 2005,claimed the lives of 225 people.
The executive director of the Climate power En Acción campaign, Antonieta Cádiz, explained to EFE that the trail of death left by this phenomenon in the city of Erwin in Tennessee, is a small “proof” of the disproportionate impact on the Hispanic community. due to said hurricane, which hit Florida at the end of September.
Unfortunately,four of the six employees of the company,’Impact Plastics’,who died due to not having been evacuated in a timely manner,were of Hispanic origin. The body of one of them was mexican, and was found almost a month after the tragedy.
“With Hurricane Helene we saw the reality of how unprotected our Latino community is and the greater inequalities we face due to extreme weather events,” Cadiz said.
It is worth noting that this analysis also indicates that Latino families who suffered from the impact of the devastating Hurricane Helene had to face communication problems, especially in North Carolinasince they were not allowed to be informed of the danger of the phenomenon, evacuation orders and access to recovery funds.
This whole problem becomes more serious among Hispanic families who have very little or no knowledge of the English language,and who are low-income.
The annual research also indicates that the danger that extreme heat represented for Latinos in 2024 could become the hottest in history as records have been kept. In fact, global temperatures were between 1.54 degrees Celsius from January to September, above the pre-industrial average.
It is vital to emphasize that extreme heat caused the death of 446 people in Maricopa County, state of Arizona, where one in every 3 inhabitants is Hispanic. On the other hand,in Clark County,Nevada,where a large number of Hispanics live,491 deaths were recorded due to high temperatures.
Cadiz indicates that the majority of agricultural workers in the United States are Latino, and along with being exposed to high temperatures, they must also deal with droughts and fires that put their health and work at risk.
In a survey included in the report,it was found that 65% of Latinos want the United States to have a president who cares and commits to acting on climate change and extreme weather.
“The climate crisis is here to stay and is increasing.We do not have time to reverse the progress that has been made,” Cadiz concluded.
How does climate change disproportionately impact marginalized communities, particularly Latino populations?
Title: The Impact of Extreme Weather on latino Communities: An interview with Climate Expert Dr. Ana Rodriguez
Editor (Time.news): Welcome, Dr. Rodriguez, and thank you for joining us today. Recent reports from Climate Power have highlighted alarming statistics about the impact of extreme weather events on Latino communities in the U.S. Can you provide us a brief overview of the key findings from that report?
Dr. Rodriguez: Thank you for having me. Yes, the report reveals that Latino communities have been considerably affected by extreme weather in 2024. This includes increased incidents of hurricanes, wildfires, and flooding, which have not only displaced families but have also exacerbated existing socio-economic vulnerabilities. It’s crucial to understand that these communities often lack the resources to effectively respond to such disasters.
Editor: That’s very concerning. What are some of the specific challenges that Latino communities face in the wake of these weather events?
Dr. rodriguez: One of the main challenges is inequitable access to resources. Many Latino families may not have the financial means to evacuate in the face of a disaster or repair their homes afterward. additionally, language barriers can hinder effective dialogue of emergency information. Moreover, these communities often live in areas that are more susceptible to extreme weather due to past redlining and systemic neglect from local governments.
Editor: It seems like a multifaceted issue. In your opinion, what can be done to better support these communities in preparing for and recovering from extreme weather events?
Dr. Rodriguez: Absolutely, it requires a comprehensive approach. First, there needs to be an investment in community preparedness programs that cater specifically to Latino populations, including bilingual resources.Moreover, local governments should prioritize infrastructure improvements in these areas and ensure that emergency services are accessible and inclusive. fostering community resilience through education and local organizing can empower residents to better advocate for their needs.
Editor: How can the wider public contribute to supporting these communities facing these challenges?
Dr.Rodriguez: Public awareness is key.individuals can support local grassroots organizations that work with latino communities to provide resources and assistance during disasters. Additionally, advocating for policy changes that address climate inequities at the local and federal levels is crucial. This could include supporting legislation that aims to mitigate climate change and invest in vulnerable communities.
Editor: Speaking of advocacy, how can the media play a role in this situation?
Dr. Rodriguez: The media has a critical obligation in highlighting these issues and giving a platform to the voices of those affected. By covering stories that humanize the experiences of Latino communities during extreme weather events, the media can raise awareness and spur action. Moreover, it can help to combat misconceptions and frame this not just as a climate issue, but as a social justice issue as well.
Editor: looking ahead, how do you foresee the future for Latino communities in relation to climate change?
Dr. Rodriguez: It’s a challenging outlook. if we do not take immediate and considerable action to address climate change, these communities will continue to face disproportionate impacts. Though, there is a growing movement for environmental justice among Latino communities that is inspiring. If we empower these voices and ensure they are included in climate decision-making processes, there is hope for building a more resilient and equitable future.
Editor: Thank you, Dr.Rodriguez, for your insights on this vital issue. It’s clear that we have a long way to go, but with awareness and action, we can work towards a more equitable response to climate change.
Dr. Rodriguez: Thank you for having me. It’s vital we keep this conversation going as we strive to make real change.