Psychologists say even the devastation of Harvey won't change made-up minds about climate change
Scientists claim the effects of man-made climate change will worsen America's hurricane seasons, but psychologists warn that even the devastation of Harvey won't change already made-up minds, Axios reports. "We have to get out of that emotional loop we're in," said psychosocial researcher Renee Lertzman. "Unless we actually talk about the trauma and anxiety about what it means to come to terms with our way of life, then something like Harvey won't have any effect."
While Harvey likely would have been a historic storm regardless of climate change, "there are certain climate change-related factors that we can, with great confidence, say worsened the flooding," The Guardian reports. Even with Houston years away from a full recovery, people's preconceived notions and short attention spans could prevent major preventative policy changes.
The weeks after a major storm, though, are "the only time people pay attention," Adam Sobel, the director of an extreme weather initiative at Columbia University, told Axios. "People say don't politicize it. That's ridiculous. Frankly, it's politicized from the moment it happened."
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
And the clock is ticking. Pennsylvania State University professor of meteorology David Titley added: "Expect #HarveyFlood record will be broken in five, 15, 25 years from now — sooner rather than later."
On Tuesday, Hurricane Irma strengthened to a Category 5 storm as it brews near the Caribbean. It is projected to possibly hit Florida early Sunday.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Jeva Lange was the executive editor at TheWeek.com. She formerly served as The Week's deputy editor and culture critic. She is also a contributor to Screen Slate, and her writing has appeared in The New York Daily News, The Awl, Vice, and Gothamist, among other publications. Jeva lives in New York City. Follow her on Twitter.
-
Best music albums: new releases of 2024
The Week Recommends A round-up of the best pop, dance, indie, classical and rock releases
By The Week UK Published
-
Senegal's Bassirou Diomaye Faye: from prison to Africa's youngest elected leader
Why everyone's talking about The 44-year-old has resonated with young people by promising to shake up the establishment and enact economic reforms
By Richard Windsor, The Week UK Published
-
How social media is limiting political content
The Explainer Critics say Meta's 'extraordinary move' to have less politics in users' feeds could be 'actively muzzling civic action'
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
EPA sets auto pollution rule that boosts EVs
Speed Read The Biden administration's new rules will push US automakers toward electric vehicles and hybrids
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
More than 150 people dead following earthquake in Nepal
Speed Read The death toll is expected to rise as rescue workers continue digging through rubble
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
Nearly 1,000 birds dead in one night after striking building in Chicago
Speed Read The birds died after colliding with the McCormick Place convention center next to Lake Michigan
By Justin Klawans Published
-
At least 1 dead at Burning Man as thousands remain stranded from flooding
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published
-
Earthquake rattles Southern California as Tropical Storm Hilary hits
Speed Read
By Catherine Garcia Published
-
Hawaii reportedly downplayed threat of wildfires for years prior to Maui blaze
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published
-
Maui wildfire death toll hits 53, expected to rise, in Hawaii's 'largest natural disaster'
Speed Read
By Peter Weber Published
-
Maui wildfires kill 6, destroy historic tourist town Lahaina
Speed Read
By Peter Weber Published