Discover how our understanding of disasters is evolving in the context of climate change. The discussion highlights the changing perceptions of events like the LA fires and stresses the importance of building community resilience. Explore the unsustainable nature of climate risk management, particularly in California, where insurance practices strain taxpayers and leave vulnerable communities at a disadvantage. The need for a new approach to recovery strategies is emphasized, pointing to a future where adaptability is crucial.
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Outdated Disaster Concept
The concept of "natural disasters" is outdated in our current world.
We can no longer assume a return to normalcy after calamitous events.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Jaws Analogy
Alex Steffen uses the movie Jaws to illustrate the traditional view of disasters.
Life returns to normal after the shark is caught, unlike the ongoing climate crisis.
insights INSIGHT
Climate Crisis as Discontinuity
The climate crisis is not a singular event but an ongoing discontinuity.
Natural disasters are becoming more common and are expected to recur more frequently.
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In this brand new When We Are podcast, I discuss why our concept of “natural disaster” — a sudden and unexpected calamitous natural event bringing great loss from which we then recover and return to normal life — is less and less useful for understanding the world we now live in.
I also briefly discuss the movie Jaws.
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When We Are with Alex Steffen 