What did we find
Current literature reveals some common patterns. They are as follows:
- Mitigation and Resilience Matters
- Hazards are Widespread
- Impact Varies
- Disaster Spurs Government Innovation
Flooding
Flooding is the leading natural disaster in Texas due to it's position as a major floodplain. Floodplains are concentrated area of floods and impact. Why does this matter?
- Texas is one of 11 states in the Southern Floodplain
- The state itself is riddled with floodplains
What is the impact?
Socio-Economic Impact
We found a disproportionate impact On those with lower socio-economic status |
Mental & Physical Health
This includes the loss of property, physical injuries, and psychological. The loss of property effects every other aspect. |
Geographic Implications
We found that floodplains are a useful tool, but are not sufficient to represent total impact. |
Mitigation & Resilience
We found that mitigation requires accurate data and that effective mitigation can reduce long term negative impacts. |
Water Quality
Water quality is a measure of the sustainability of water for particular use based on select physical, chemical, and biological characteristics. Nationwide water quality standards are established in The Clean Water Act (CWA), the central federal law that limits water pollution.
What is the impact?
Physical Environment
Damaging activities can lead to increased runoff, pollution, and methane exposure. This leads to many negative impacts on citizens. |
Human Health
Poor water quality often means ill-suited drinking water. This can lead to poisoning, cancer, and disease. |
Psychological Health
Poor water quality can lead to water insecurity and psychological damages, such as PTSD. |
Economic Intervention and Mitigation
The effects of poor water quality must be mitigated through federal funding and laws. One of the most notable efforts is seen in WHO's Health Strategy Plan. . |
Air Quality
High levels of pollutants within the air is considered a danger to human health and the environment. The level of pollutants in the air is measured by the Air Quality Index (AQI); it provides a numerical value where the higher value means poor air quality and the lower the value represents good air quality.
What is the impact?
Multiple Causes
Pollutants created by people, such as emissions from factories or cars, and by natural events, such as dust and smoke from wildfires or volcanos. |
Premature Death
Air Pollution is the largest environmental risk for premature death and can lead to higher rates of, cancer, heart/respiratory diseases, and stroke. |
Most at Risk
The people most at risk are children. the elderly, and active adults. |
The Oil and Gas Industry
Texas is the largest energy-producing and energy-consuming state in the nation. This means that Texans are exposed to increased levels of ozone smog from oil and gas pollution as well as vehicle pollutants. |