Social workers are mental health first-responders in disaster events, yet that role has been relatively underemphasized in social work curriculum for agency-based practice. The recent increasing number of disaster-related events has challenged schools of social work to respond with curriculum and field placements that meet the student demand for education in disaster behavior health. This paper describes how a real-time education and training program for disaster response was created and adopted into an existing graduate social work school curriculum. It also details how new field placements were created, and others were transformed to focus on mental health counseling and disaster relief following a significant weather-related event. This case study demonstrates how resources were developed and leveraged to address the immediate needs of devastated communities, and it provides strategic information on the way that social work students worked to address both acute and longer-term symptoms and needs of victims and survivors through clinical training and supervision. Through the historical lens of disaster response and behavioral health, resiliency-building is shown to be the cornerstone of effective community networking.

Coastal Bangladesh is experiencing the effects of weather and climate-related stressors. The paper reports on the ways in which members of nine occupational groups in two coastal villages in South-west Bangladesh understand and respond differentially to recent changes in local weather and weather-related events and processes. Their understanding is grounded in local experiences and varied livelihood options, which are a complex interaction between people's social and spatial locations and local weather and non-weather events and processes. Their priorities are to protect livelihoods through resilience-building actions, which address proximate causes of vulnerability (improving coastal embankments, rehabilitating and strengthening homesteads, protecting agricultural land). Government support is limited to traditional development interventions that assist some more than others and often disconnected from local people's priorities. Most adaptation actions are practical measures within the prevailing politico-legal order. There is some evidence of more rights-based cooperative action between a national non-governmental organisation and local farmers that challenged aspects of that order.

This case addresses the events leading up to the cancellation of the 2012 New York City Marathon in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy. The case highlights the importance of making fair and timely decisions. The case is assembled based on newspaper accounts of the circumstances that led to New York City’s Mayor Bloomberg declaring the 2012 marathon would be held and then two days later canceling the event. The facts that were available to Mayor Bloomberg are presented in such a way that students can consider and analyze what they would have done and when, and how this may or may not differ from what actually occurred. Most importantly, the case highlights the decision-making process that many sport and event managers will encounter in the field when a weather-related event occurs in the midst of a planned athletic event. Consequently, the case provides students with an opportunity to critically examine the following: 1) how a sport organization should respond to a crisis; 2) the impact of decision-making on various event stakeholders; 3) the ethics involved in decision-making; and 4) how sport and event managers should respond to public criticism. The case is intended for use in classes focused on event management, sport ethics, and public relations.

Damage from weather-related events is expected to increase in the future due to socio-economic growth that increases exposure to natural disasters and anticipated climate change. This paper studies the long-term impacts of climate change and land-use planning on flood risk, with a particular focus on flood risk insurance in the Netherlands. This study estimates the full probability distributions of flood damage under four different scenarios of climate change and socio-economic development for the year 2040. Subsequently, the risk-based (re)insurance premiums for flood coverage are estimated for each of the 53 dyke-ring areas in the Netherlands, using a method that takes into account the insurer’s risk aversion to covering uncertain catastrophe risk. On the basis of the results, we can draw four main lessons. First, extreme climate change with a high sea level rise has a higher impact on flood (re)insurance premiums compared with future socio-economic development. Second, (re)insuring large flood losses may become very expensive in the future. Third, a public–private insurance system in which the government acts as a risk-neutral reinsurer of last resort, accompanied by comprehensive adaptation and risk reduction measures, could be a good solution for making flood risk insurance available at an affordable price. Fourth, given the projected increase in flood risk, it is especially important that flood insurance contributes to climate change adaptation.

Experimental study on the vertical deformation of sand caused by cyclic withdrawal and recharging of groundwater

Coastal Georgia Is Not ImmuneHurricane History, 1851–2012 Brian H. Bossak (bio), Sarah S. Keihany (bio), Mark R. Welford (bio), and Ethan J. Gibney (bio) introduction Atlantic hurricanes, documented since the voyages of Christopher Columbus (Chenoweth 2006), present the greatest annual meteorological hazards of the southern and eastern shores of the U.S. Weather records, ship logs, diaries, and newspapers describe historical hurricanes from the early 18th century, but the official North Atlantic Basin hurricane database (HURDAT2) dates back only to 1851 and is currently being reanalyzed for accuracy and storm additions (Landsea et al. 2012). Hurricanes generally have the greatest physical impact at landfall. Among the southeastern states of the U.S., Georgia has experienced infrequent hurricane landfalls in recent decades. However, HURDAT2 data indicate temporal variability in Georgia’s hurricane activity, which could influence hurricane preparedness efforts among coastal and near-coastal Georgia residents. In order to better characterize the risk of hurricane landfall along Georgia’s shoreline, we utilize HURDAT2 data. Prior research has utilized historical records to regionally examine hurricane landfalls along the U.S. coast. For example, Mock has conducted studies for South Carolina (2004) and Louisiana (2008). Fraser (2006) has noted historic Georgia hurricanes as described in newspapers and other written documentation, but a focus on coastal Georgia’s HURDAT2 data is novel. We analyze the frequency trends, intensity over time, seasonality, zone of formation, time from formation to landfall, and spatial distribution for Georgia’s fourteen recorded hurricane landfalls in HURDAT2. background This analysis was motivated by the infrequency of modern Georgia hurricane landfalls, increasing coastal population, concomitant property development, and changes in the socioeconomic strata along and near Georgia’s coast. Disasters are a composite of social, political, [End Page 323] and economic environmental variables extending beyond the natural event that caused them (Forthergill and Peek 2004). Georgia exhibits both physical and social vulnerabilities (Ashley 2007) and/or marginalized populations (Tobin and Montz 1997; Quinn 2006). High rates of poverty, functional illiteracy, and mobile home occupancy are increasing across rural areas in the southern U.S. and Georgia, with coexistent poor communication infrastructure (Ashley et al. 2008; Hall and Ashley 2008). Georgia also has a growing immigrant population that does not speak English at home (Blumenfeld 2008). Moreover, temporary or mobile housing is especially vulnerable to damage from weather-related wind events (Ashley et al. 2008). For example, all but nine of the 6,600 mobile homes in the path of Hurricane Andrew’s traverse across south Florida were destroyed in 1992 (Metro Dade Planning Department 1992). Approximately 10 percent of Georgia residents live in mobile homes (U.S. Census Bureau 2008). Research also illustrates that hazard preparedness increases with income, while increased educational-attainment counteracts fatalism and fosters preparedness (Turner et al. 1986). Recent statistics suggest that between 6 and 23 percent of people in the United States are functionally illiterate (National Center for Education Statistics 2003); one of the highest rates of functional illiteracy (between 1950–2010) occurs in Georgia (17 percent). Georgia has witnessed the largest percentage increase (164.1 percent) by state in the population of people that do not speak English in their homes (1990–2000) (National Center for Education Statistics 2003). This presents its own risk for minority communities, which typically rely on kin and social networks for information, thus frequently delaying risk-aversion behavior (Mejer 1994). For instance, research demonstrates that Mexican-Americans accept a warning as credible only after confirming it among familial and social networks (Fothergill et al. 1999; Lindell and Perry 2004; Perry and Mushkatel 1986). Anecdotal statements suggesting that the Georgia coastline is protected from hurricane landfalls due to its geographic orientation and proximity to the Atlantic Bight have been associated with Georgia’s infrequent hurricane landfalls in the modern record. This is a geographic coincidence—the shape of the Georgia coastline is not protectively oriented; rather, atmospheric processes tend to steer hurricanes either parallel but offshore to Georgia’s coastline (e.g., Hurricane Floyd in 1999) or turn hurricanes away from the Georgia coastline and back out into the Atlantic (McCloskey et al. 2013). Hurricanes approaching the North American Atlantic seaboard have two common tracks: either they approach from...

Climate change is increasingly recognized as one of the greatest threats to human health of the 21st century, with consequences that mental health professionals are also likely to face. While physical health impacts have been increasingly emphasized in literature and practice, recent scholarly literature indicates that climate change and related weather events and environmental changes can profoundly impact psychological well-being and mental health through both direct and indirect pathways, particularly among those with pre-existing vulnerabilities or those living in ecologically sensitive areas. Although knowledge is still limited about the connections between climate change and mental health, evidence is indicating that impacts may be felt at both the individual and community levels, with mental health outcomes ranging from psychological distress, depression and anxiety, to increased addictions and suicide rates. Drawing on examples from diverse geographical areas, this article highlights some climate-sensitive impacts that may be encountered by mental health professionals. We then suggest potential avenues for public mental health in light of current and projected changes, in order to stimulate thought, debate, and action.

Macro determinants of volatility and volatility spillover in energy markets

Public perception research in different countries has suggested that real and perceived periods of high temperature strengthen people's climate change beliefs. Such findings raise questions about the climate change beliefs of people in regions with moderate climates. Relatively little is known about whether public concerns about climate change may also be associated with perceived changes in other weather-related events, such as precipitation or flooding. We examine the relationship between perceived changes in weather-related events and climate change beliefs among U.K. residents at a time of below-average winter temperatures and recent flooding. National survey data (n = 1,848) revealed that heat waves and hot summers were perceived to have become less common during respondents' lifetimes, while flooding, periods of heavy rainfall, coastal erosions, and mild winters were perceived to have increased in frequency and cold winters were perceived to be unchanged. Although perceived changes in hot-weather-related events were positively associated with climate change beliefs, perceived changes in wet-weather-related events were found to be an even stronger predictor. Self-reported experience of "flooding in own area" and "heat-wave discomfort" also significantly contributed to climate change beliefs. These findings highlight the importance of salient weather-related events and experiences in the formation of beliefs about climate change. We link our findings to research in judgment and decision making, and propose that those wishing to engage with the public on the issue of climate change should not limit their focus to heat.

Purpose– Improving older adults’ preparedness for and response to natural disasters has become an important issue. Population ageing, together with concerns about increasing extreme weather-related events, has added further impetus to the need to reduce older adults’ vulnerability to disasters. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the above issues.Design/methodology/approach– Social and environmental influences on community dwelling independent older adults have not been accounted for in models of hazard adjustment, which have invariably used quantitative research methods.Findings– To date much of the preparedness and response research has focused on organisational responses to preparedness, while perspectives from older adults have received less attention. Furthermore social and environmental influences on community dwelling independent older adults have not been accounted for in models of hazard adjustment.Originality/value– Extending research to include qualitative methodologies, which recognises older adults as active participants in research about themselves, would contribute to increasing understandings about influences on disaster preparedness and response; and inform social policies and prevention programmes.

Millions of birds die each year during migration. Most of this mortality goes unobserved and conditions surrounding the actual events are often not thoroughly documented. We present a case study of substantial migrant casualties along the shores of southwestern Lake Michigan during May 1996 when we found 2,981 dead birds of 114 species, mostly migrant passerines. An unusual sequence of events allowed us to document the circumstances surrounding this migratory bird kill. Bird carcasses appeared on the southwestern shores of Lake Michigan in the days following storm systems that produced high rain and in one case, hail. Encounters between birds and precipitation over open water were recorded by weather radar, and were followed by winds that drifted dead birds toward highly populated shorelines where the kill was observed and documented. Climatologically, May 1996 was exceptional for producing weather conditions that both killed birds en masse and allowed the mortality to be documented. As a result, this is one of the more thoroughly documented instances of a weather-related mass mortality event during migration.

Funding public adaptation to climate-related disasters. Estimates for a global fund

Vietnam and Bangladesh are countries already impacted by weather-related extreme events. Scientific modelling projections indicate that climate change, and changes to climate variability, will increase risks for both countries in the future. Targeting this challenging contemporary agenda, this paper reflects on the lessons learned from a collaborative research project, funded by the Asia Pacific Network for Global Change Research, which was carried out jointly in the Vietnamese city of Huế and the Bangladeshi city of Satkhira. The focus on secondary cities was intentional as they face unique challenges – a combination of rapid growth and development, adverse climate-related impacts, and in many cases less institutional adaptive capacity than their primary city counterparts. Whilst numerous assessment tool kits already exist, these have typically been developed for rural or natural resource contexts. Therefore, the objective of this action research activity was to develop a flexible suite of participatory assessment tools and methodologies that were refined specifically for the urban context; as well as being easy to use by local practitioners at the city and neighbourhood scales. This paper summarizes the research and stakeholder engagement activity that was carried out before presenting the main findings from each of the case study cities (detailing both climate-related risks and potential adaptation options). This analysis is further extended to include a reflective critique of the assessment process, a comparative analysis of the activity carried out in the two case studies, and the ‘South–South’ learning process that occurred between project partners. Key findings are then distilled to put forward recommendations in support of climate change assessment activity in secondary cities across the Asia-Pacific region.

Demystifying Palm Oil in the Era of VUCA & Its Impact on India

Welcome, dear readers, to the first issue of Volume 23 of Laser Therapy, and to the first issue of 2014, the Year of the Horse, which is now well and truly under way. “March,” they say, “comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb.” There will be many people worldwide who have suffered from the intense weather phenomena, like raging Australian forest fires, the North American plunging temperatures and blizzards and the widespread hurricane-strength storms and flooding in the UK, who will be wishing that the “lamb” part of the saying should come true as quickly as possible. Our thoughts go out to all those who have suffered from calamitous weather-related events in these first months of 2014. As I write, Japan is unseasonably cold for March, with snow storms here and there. However, Nature presses on, and the cherry blossoms will very soon explode in Kyushu, to the south of Japan, so we can look forward to warmer and sunnier weather It is hard to believe that this is the 23rd year in which the journal has appeared, and it seems almost yesterday when we were discussing the possibility of publishing the journal with John Wiley and Sons of Chichester, UK: that process actually started in 1987, and we have come a long way since then. Now the journal has reached new peaks of excellence, and has garnered international recognition by the leading indexing services. None of this could have happened without papers to publish, and that is still the case, dear readers, so please, send in your papers! As you read this we are already one-quarter of the way through 2014, which means that you only have 9 months left to get your paper in to us, and qualify for entry to our two awards for selected papers: the Laser Therapy Best/Good Papers Award and the newly founded Ming-Chien Kao Award for Young Researchers. All you have to do is get you clinical or research findings down on paper, and send them in! The results of the adjudication panels for papers published in 2013 have been scored and totaled, so without further ado, here they are!

Informing climate adaptation: A review of the economic costs of natural disasters

In Uganda, weather-related events such as prolonged dry seasons, floods, storms, mudslides, extreme rainfall, and delayed/early rains have become more frequent and/or intense. This has left most of the rural poor farmers’ food insecure and their livelihoods threatened. A total of 192 sweetpotato farmer households distributed in six agro-ecological zones were interviewed to assess how farmers perceive the effects of changes in climatic variables, and how they have adjusted their farming practices to cope with the changes in climate. Gender of the household head and size of land owned significantly affected adaptation. Ninety nine percent of all households interviewed had observed a change in the climate in the last 10 years. Drought and floods had the highest impact on crop production across agro-ecological zones. Coping strategies towards extreme events included storing food, income diversification and digging drainage channels. Other strategies were planting trees; high-yielding, early-maturing, drought-tolerant, disease and/or pest-resistant varieties; planting at onset of rains; increased pesticide/fungicide application among others. The smallholder farmer households studied have a high awareness of changes in rainfall and temperature and have taken measures to cope with effects of a changing climate.

Abstract U.S. government officials are focusing their attention on how to deliver timely and effective warning information to the public, especially given the devastating weather-related events that have occurred in recent years. With the increase of cell phones (and in particular, web-capable smartphones), weather warnings sent through various cellular technologies represent one way for officials to quickly notify an increasingly mobile public. Cellular technology innovations also make it possible for officials to broadcast information-rich media like graphics to cell phones. Whether warning messages must include such “rich” media to be effective remains an open question. The current study investigates the effectiveness of National Weather Service (NWS) warning messages sent either in plain text or in text that includes a radar image of the storm. The research protocol was modeled after the interactive National Weather Service (iNWS) messaging service currently available to NWS core partners. In the study, participants read full-text NWS warnings of tornadoes or flash floods that either did or did not include a radar image of the storm. The researchers timed participants' ability to decide if a critical town was in the warning area, and then probed their understanding of the message content. Results show that participants' decision times to the town question did not differ between the graphic and no-graphic conditions. None of the other message content measures differed as a function of message condition. The results have potential implications for the federal government's new Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) system, which, as yet, is limited to text-only warnings.

Depending upon the topography, there is an extreme variation in the temperature of Pakistan. Heat waves are the Weather-related events, having significant impact on the humans, including all socioeconomic activities and health issues as well which changes according to the climatic conditions of the area. The forecasting climate is of prime importance for being aware of future climatic changes, in order to mitigate them. The study used the Ensemble Prediction System (EPS) for the purpose of modeling seasonal weather hind-cast of three selected areas i.e., Islamabad, Jhelum and Muzaffarabad. This research was purposely carried out in order to suggest the most suitable climate model for Pakistan. Real time and simulated data of five General Circulation Models i.e., ECMWF, ERA-40, MPI, Meteo France and UKMO for selected areas was acquired from Pakistan Meteorological Department. Data incorporated constituted the statistical temperature records of 32 years for the months of June, July and August. This study was based on EPS to calculate probabilistic forecasts produced by single ensembles. Verification was done out to assess the quality of the forecast t by using standard probabilistic measures of Brier Score, Brier Skill Score, Cross Validation and Relative Operating Characteristic curve. The results showed ECMWF the most suitable model for Islamabad and Jhelum; and Meteo France for Muzaffarabad. Other models have significant results by omitting particular initial conditions.

Migration, immobility and displacement outcomes following extreme events