Hurricane Helene - Untold Death and Destruction

This Climate Emergency Forum video discusses the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene, focusing on the unprecedented scale of destruction and long-term consequences.

This video was recorded on October 3rd, 2024, and published on October 9th, 2024, and represents the opinions of the discussion participants.

The discussion highlights inadequate building regulations, lack of flood insurance awareness, and the role of warming oceans in intensifying storms. It emphasizes the long-term suffering of affected communities, including psychological trauma, PTSD, and increased rates of alcoholism, drug addiction, and suicide in areas hit by severe weather events.

The conversation then shifts to the true impact of hurricanes, citing a recent study that suggests hurricane-related deaths are hundreds of times higher than official immediate counts when considering long-term effects. The study estimates that US hurricanes may have contributed to up to 5 million deaths since 1930, surpassing other major causes of death like infectious diseases and motor vehicle accidents. Economic impacts are also discussed, with damage estimates for Hurricane Helene reaching up to $160 billion.

Throughout the discussion, there's a strong emphasis on the urgent need for climate action and better preparedness for future extreme weather events. The video explains how global warming increases water vapor in the atmosphere, leading to more intense precipitation during storms. It also addresses the changing patterns of hurricanes due to alterations in jet stream configurations. The discussion concludes by calling for more robust building practices and regulations to withstand future storms like Helene.

Links:
- Helene death toll rises to at least 232 across 6 states

- Mortality caused by tropical cyclones in the United States

- Study links hurricanes to higher death rates long after storms pass

- Hurricane Helene: Economic Losses Could Total $160 Billion

- San Francisco sees hottest day of 2024 as heatwave scorches US south-west

- Causes of large projected increases in hurricane precipitation rates with global warming

Regular Panelists:
Dr. Peter Carter - MD, Expert IPCC Reviewer and the director of the Climate Emergency Institute

Paul Beckwith - Climate Systems Scientist. Professor at the University of Ottawa's Paleoclimatology Laboratory as well as at Carleton University

Regina Valdez - Program Director, Climate Reality Project, NYC. GreenFaith Fellow and LEED Green Associate

Video Production:
Charles Gregoire - Electrical Engineer, Webmaster and IT prime for FacingFuture.Earth & the Climate Emergency Forum; Climate Reality Leader

Heidi Brault - Video production and website assistant, Organizer and convener, Metadata technician, COP team lead for FacingFuture.Earth and the Climate Emergency Forum; BA (Psychology); Climate Reality Leader

Our Website:

Attributions:
Background Music:
- Title: Through the City II
- Author: Crowander

[allisonfrank]

I just survived Hurricane Helene in Asheville. There are no words to describe the devastation or the continued danger. After sittin in the dark for two weeks - alone- with no water, no power, no wifi - I left town. I am a climate refugee from a place that NEVER experienced a full-on hurricane. But the danger there is the contaminated ground water. Restoration of the water system will take months. How do people live without clean water? No answers coming, so, for my safety, I times. Not to mention hurricane Milton last

[edtremblay]

You know what pisses me off? Human beings think we're the only living creatures on this planet. I know Regina, Peter and Paul understand where I'm coming from, but most people don't think about the creatures dying every day. I feel so depressed some days because of this. Humans have terraformed the planet to this mess. Thanks for your time and energy devoted to this channel.

[niallkeogh]

With each podcast Regina, Paul and Peter you explain in great detail the ever increasing destruction being inflicted on planet earth by climate change in all its varying forms. For a non scientist like me your explanations are very clear and unambiguous even if they paint a grisly picture of a dystopian future. And yet for me the most potent destructive factor is the sheer unbridled greed of the wealthy and those politicians who are “on the take” . This is a worldwide phenomenon but what I find absolutely incredible is that a major political party in the world’s greatest democracy can deny what’s happening in its own country despite the unprecedented climate disasters unfolding before their very own eyes. The sheer unadulterated greed of the few is condemning the rest of us and our children and grandchildren to a terrible future. Thank you for your ever ending perseverance.

[billthorne]

Thank you Regina, Peter and Paul. Your work and dedication are truly appreciated!

[darlenewoods]

You are so very right on all points. Thank you for telling the truth.

[ariggle]

THANK YOU for mentioning the suffering of non-human animals. NO ONE EVER TALKS ABOUT THAT. Yes, I'm yelling. And isn't it ironic that our anthropocentrism is why we're dealing with these mega-disasters.

[voltrevolt]

Thanks for an excellent episode, going to have to watch again. It's amazing that you've put together a detailed analysis as the storm is making landfall.

[michaelschiessl]

School is keeping ya busy but it's great to see you and have you back Regina...Helena has been horrific and yeah we still have no idea how many are dead..hundreds are still missing.. Then comes hurricane Milton tonight almost 2 years to the day from hurricane Ian hitting the same part of the Florida coast and most people your right without flood insurance..Sooner or later nobody but the ultra rich will be able to live there in Florida...just tragic!!

[antonyjohnson]

My heart goes out to all those people affected by these dreadful events. The media (I'm talking here of the UK, but guess this applies more or less everywhere) downplay these events, with claims such as they're not as bad as predicted etc. So, for each disastrous event, we have a small minority of people badly affected, while the overwhelming majority simply shrug their shoulders and carry on as normal. Our democracies are based on the majority getting what they want, with the minorities getting little or nothing. Isn't that just great?
Here in the UK, we've had a spate of organisations and authorities declaring a global climate emergency, and yet once this box has been ticked, everyone just simply goes about their normal business.
So, we seem to have a majority of public who either have little or no idea about climate change, or either way do not care as their own self-importance and entitlement will in any case always take precedence over all other concerns, and therefore, governments who will seek to appease those majorities by not tackling climate issues head on (whilst putting forth many other distractions in an attempt to justify this lack of action, and spouting various claims that they are world-leading in their environmental ambitions).
We have immensely powerful people such as Trump claiming that these disastrous events have nothing to do with climate change, which according to them doesn't exist anyway, it's all fake news, right? I wonder how many hurricane (and other climate change related disasters) will vote for Trump?

[pedromarrero]

Hurricane Milton was born in the Gulf of Mexico right where those oil platforms are. Helene came from the Golf too. Everyone looking at the storms and at the same time all the fires going on from California up the north west. And the rest of the world too nothing but weather disasters. There is no going back. The degradation of the biosphere . Sad it's only going to get worse and fast. 😢

[DanielWatson-vvcd]

I think local municipals and government agencies should create a Natural Disaster Map and regulate construction or building stuff in these areas.
Such building code would save lives and prevent property damage, simply because no one would live there and buildings would not be constructed.

[leviahimsa]

925 million humans (1 in 9) suffer from hunger, yet 80 billion unnaturally bred animals on farms are given enough human edible food that could support 4 billion humans directly. -University of Minnesota

[debbied]

I think people living in vans and mobile homes that move out of harms way is the smartest choice for the future of out running storms.

[TennesseeJed]

You guys are saints. Thanks for keeping us updated!

[howardbreen]

The upcoming British Columbia (BC) election is arguably one of the most critical elections, particularly in the context of the escalating climate crisis. Here's why it should be considered the most important election:
1. Climate Breakdown at a Tipping Point
BC has witnessed the effects of climate change firsthand, with wildfires, heatwaves, droughts, and floods becoming increasingly frequent and severe. The province is at a crucial juncture where the decisions made now will determine how effectively it can mitigate further environmental damage and adapt to the impacts of climate breakdown. Without decisive action, the climate could spiral into a "runaway" state, where feedback loops—such as increasing forest fires releasing more carbon, further warming the atmosphere—amplify the problem, making it harder to reverse.
2. BC's Role in Climate Policy
BC is a critical player in the national and global fight against climate change. It has significant natural resources, including vast forests, clean energy potential (like hydroelectric power), and fossil fuel reserves. This gives BC the ability to set examples in climate action. However, it also means that mismanagement of these resources, such as the continued expansion of fossil fuel infrastructure (e.g., LNG projects or pipelines), could further fuel global warming. The election will determine whether BC becomes a leader in sustainable energy or remains locked into high-carbon pathways.
3. Runaway Climate Scenario and Local Impacts
If global and local emissions are not curbed, the concept of "runaway climate change" becomes a frightening possibility. This refers to a self-reinforcing cycle where natural systems like thawing permafrost release massive amounts of greenhouse gases, speeding up global warming. For BC, this could mean more frequent and intense natural disasters, strain on agriculture, water shortages, and loss of biodiversity—all threatening human health, food security, and the economy. The next provincial government will need to take transformative steps to protect the region from these consequences.
4. Green Economic Transition
The BC election could set the stage for a green economic revolution. Investing in renewable energy, sustainable infrastructure, and clean technologies is essential not only for tackling climate change but also for creating jobs and ensuring economic resilience. Voters will need to weigh the economic benefits of a green transition against short-term interests in industries like oil, gas, and mining. This election could determine whether BC becomes a trailblazer in creating a low-carbon economy or remains reliant on fossil fuels.
5. Indigenous Leadership and Environmental Stewardship
Indigenous communities in BC have long been stewards of the land and are often on the front lines of environmental protection. The election is crucial in determining how the provincial government collaborates with Indigenous nations, particularly regarding land and water rights, natural resource management, and climate adaptation strategies. Empowering Indigenous leadership in environmental stewardship is not only a matter of justice but also critical for fostering sustainable practices that align with long-term environmental health.
6. Impact on National and Global Climate Goals
As a significant part of Canada, BC's policies influence the country's ability to meet its national and international climate commitments, such as those under the Paris Agreement. Strong provincial action can set a precedent for other regions and nations, showing that meaningful climate action is achievable and beneficial. Conversely, inaction or backtracking on climate commitments could undermine global efforts to prevent a climate catastrophe.
7. Public Opinion and the Window for Action
Public awareness of the climate emergency is growing, and BC voters are becoming more conscious of the need for urgent action. The election could be a referendum on climate policy, where citizens choose leaders committed to environmental responsibility. This is especially important as the window to prevent the worst effects of climate change is narrowing. If this election doesn't prioritize climate, it could set the province and the world back significantly in the fight against global warming.

[gehwissen]

The death toll in connection with Dorian in the Bahamas were the first that surprised me: 20.

Christian Culture is pretty good connected with the "Dollar" for quite a long time. Christian culture has got damn rich over the last 500 years while they wrecked up the planet.

[neomateo]

Sure puts the horror that's been ongoing in Palestine in to perspective...
I can't even imagine that hell. Imagine if all that US military expenditure was used to mitigate climate chaos and helping US citizens instead. How different the world would be.

[SamWilkinsonn]

Had a little respite from watching the live weather reporting on Milton so this was an apt use of the respite time. Shouldn’t be long ‘til landfall now.

[Lyra]

Paul, the total cost of US 'defence' spending (including 3 letter agencies costs and other undisclosed military costs) is reliably estimated to be in the range of 1.5 trillion. Supporting 850 overseas military bases is a significant part of this spending.

[leviahimsa]

That's difficult to consider building, even a home that would withstand future hurricanes, in areas so close to the ocean that will likely be under water permanently in owners lifetimes.