Nature Podcast

How to recover from the trauma of a climate disaster

Oct 30, 2024

Mariana Linearo, a reporter at Nature, explores the mental health challenges faced by communities in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, after devastating floods. She highlights personal stories of resilience and the importance of community support in recovery. Jeff Tollefson discusses a recent poll revealing scientists’ concerns about the upcoming US election's impact on climate policies, with many expressing willingness to relocate if former President Trump wins. Together, they tackle pressing issues linking climate trauma and political action.

35:23

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Episode guests

Jeff Tollefson

Mariana Linearo

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Quick takeaways

Mental health resources are essential for aiding recovery from trauma caused by climate disasters, especially for vulnerable populations like those with lower incomes.

Community support and social connections significantly enhance resilience and help individuals cope with the psychological impacts of climate-related disasters.

Deep dives

Impact of Climate Change on Flooding Events

Recent floods in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, have raised concerns regarding the relationship between climate change and extreme weather events. Torrential rainfall and infrastructure failures led to catastrophic flooding, affecting approximately two million people. Research indicates that human-induced climate change has increased both the intensity and likelihood of such disasters, which have become increasingly common as global temperatures rise. These incidents not only cause physical destruction but also disrupt lives, leading to significant long-term challenges for affected individuals.

Intro

2min

Resilience Amidst Devastation

12min

Groundbreaking Discoveries in Element Synthesis and Marine Plankton Behavior

3min

Election Impact on Science and Climate Policy

11min

Microbial Boost for C-Section Babies

4min

Unveiling the Resilience of Tardigrades: Genetic Adaptations to Radiation

2min

Harnessing Tardigrades: Radiation Resistance and Human Applications

3min

00:48 Rebuilding mental health after the floods

Researchers have been investigating the best ways to help people deal with trauma in the wake of a climate disaster. In April and May devastating floods surged across Rio Grande do Sul in the South of Brazil, affecting two million people and killing hundreds. As people try to put their lives back together scientists have been conducting surveys and investigating how to make sure that any mental health issues don’t become persistent. We hear from some of the affected people and researchers in the region.

This story was supported by the Pulitzer Center.

News Feature: How to recover when a climate disaster destroys your city

13:48 Research Highlights

A new way to make ultra-heavy elements, and how some plankton swim by blowing up like a balloon.

Research Highlight: Atomic smash-ups hold promise of record-breaking elements

Research Highlight: This plankton balloons in size to soar upwards through the water

16:54 What are your thoughts on the US election?

Nature has conducted a poll of its readers to get a sense of what is on researchers’ minds in the run up to the US election. Overwhelmingly, the survey respondents identified as researchers and reported that they supported Vice President Harris (86%). Many also voiced concerns about a possible victory for former President Trump, saying that they would consider changing where they would live if he wins. Reporter Jeff Tollefson tells us more about the results and what the election means for US science.

News: The US election is monumental for science, say Nature readers — here’s why