9 Natural Disasters in the World A Natural Disaster List

Climate Change and Natural disasters

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of reaction. Thus, the best way to survive global warming and the consequent natural disasters is to take every possible measure to prevent them. This means reducing CO2 footprint and changing over, as a societies, to more agrarian and sustainable futures. However, with current western lifestyles demanding increasing levels of resources and energy it would be wise not to assume we can reverse our destruction and to start preparing for the worst.

We are releasing enough CO2 into the air currently to cause significant climate change over the next ten years and as a result we will start seeing more and more consequences. What are some of the consequences of climate change?

Rising Sea Levels

Rising global temperature will cause the oceans average temperature to rise, melting the ice caps and causing the sea to rise. Rising sea levels may not seem to be a danger to humans, but just a few inches or a few feet could cause many life threatening circumstances. This won’t happen over night, but it is good to prepare for it now instead of, like the frog the pot, waiting until it is too late to make a move.

Coastal cities at low elevations will be most directly affected by rising sea levels. Some entire states, such as Florida could eventually end up under water. The next most affected will be everybody else. Everybody will be affected in two ways: First of all, less land means less resources and millions of refugees who will migrate to inland cities in need for work, food, housing, medical care and jobs.

Second, Rising sea levels will be due to melting ice caps and an increasing temperature in the oceans water. This change in temperature could cause a mass extinction of the micro-organisms that are the base of the marine animal food chain. These organisms are also one of the main sources of oxygen producing photosynthesis.

Skills you will need:

-fighting climate change

-building a barrier or mote

Heat Waves

Extreme heat has the possibility to cause heat stroke or heat exhaustion. At this point the body has been pushed beyond it’s limits and can no longer sustain homeostasis. In extreme heat, the best thing is to stay hydrated and stay in the shade. If no air conditioning is available, try to find a body of water to soak in or an underground place like a basement. If a heat wave lasts long enough, it may be time to move to an area where your body can maintain.

Skills you will need

-Finding water in the desert

-digging to cooler air

Drought

Long periods of extreme heat and other climate factors can cause drought. Droughts cause lack of water for drinking and for food production. Thus, a drought can lead to starvation and dehydration.

-solar water distiller, uv bags, water filters, iodine drops, boiling.

-ways of getting to water. Finding water

Cold fronts

Extreme cold can cause the deadly condition of hypothermia. Plenty of blankets and warm clothing is essential for avoiding hypothermia. Knowing how to build and light fires will also aid to suppress the possibility of freezing to death.

-how to build a snow cave

-how to build a shelter in the woods

Earthquakes

An earthquake can strike at any time without warning. If you live in a remote area, this can cause you to be cut off from the rest of the world for several days until bridges an roads are repaired. If you live in the city, a panic may arise and there may be competition for resources. The best way to prepare for an earthquake is to have at least 2 weeks supplies ready. See section on supplies for details. In the event of an earthquake it is crucial to remain calm and make the right decisions to ensure your survival. Avoid going into places that may collapse and crush you. Avoid windows that could shatter and cut you. The best place to be is in an open flat space where nothing can fall on you, but if you live in an urban environment or are unable to get to such a place, doorways and other reinforced structures are often the safest places you can find in a moments notice.

Tsunamis

Tsunamis are caused by earthquakes and often they go together. To find out if you are in tsunami danger, contact your local geology department. In case of a tsunami warning, keep your radio on and move to high ground. Don’t go to the beach.

Volcano’s

If you live near a volcano you must always be prepared to evacuate

Floods

In the event of a flood, get to high ground. This may mean leaving behind your personal possessions