Hurricane Disasters examines why hurricanes continue to devastate the United States despite advances in forecasting. The book traces the evolution of disaster response policies and explores the long-term consequences for affected communities, delving into environmental science, public policy, and social history.
While scientific advancements have improved our ability to predict hurricanes, failures in policy and social equity often lead to catastrophic outcomes. For example, the book highlights the disproportionate impact on vulnerable populations due to factors like poverty and inadequate infrastructure.
The book adopts a fact-based, analytical approach, presenting information in a clear and accessible manner. It begins with an overview of hurricane science, including the impact of climate change, before transitioning into detailed analyses of major hurricanes like Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Harvey. These case studies explore the effectiveness of disaster response and long-term recovery efforts.
Ultimately, Hurricane Disasters argues for a holistic approach to disaster management that integrates scientific knowledge with social justice to build more resilient communities.