Climate and environment
Heat, flood, storms, and air quality: slow hazards and tail events with location-specific risk.
Climate and environmental risks
Environmental risk is often “slow-moving” (heat, air quality, sea-level rise) but can include sharp shocks (storms, floods, wildfires). The relevant unit is frequently risk per season and risk conditional on location.
High-impact environmental hazards
Heat
Heat illness risk rises with humidity, exertion, and poor hydration.
Flood
Rapid floods can be unsurvivable. Planning and warnings are critical.
Air quality
Chronic exposure affects cardiovascular and respiratory outcomes.
What you can do (individual level)
- Heat: shade, hydration, cooling, and avoid peak exertion
- Smoke/air: check AQI; filters; avoid heavy exertion on bad days
- Flood/storm: know evacuation routes; don’t drive through water
- Home: electrical safety; backup power planning where relevant