Leading with Purpose: Measurable Impact and Ethical Corporate Culture

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  Photo by NASA on Unsplash

  Assessing the Aftermath of Hurricane Debby’s Devastating Floods 

  In the wake of Hurricane Debby, communities across the eastern U.S. are grappling with the aftermath of severe flooding and destruction. Debby, which initially made landfall in Florida as a Category 1 hurricane, weakened to a tropical storm but continued to wreak havoc as it moved northward. The storm's remnants caused widespread flooding from southern Georgia to Upstate New York, with rivers overflowing and towns inundated. The storm has resulted in at least eight fatalities and prompted hundreds of water rescues across multiple states. 

  In New York, Governor Kathy Hochul visited Steuben County, where floodwaters devastated farms and homes, leaving residents in despair. The situation is similarly dire in South Carolina, where dozens of homes suffered significant damage. In Bluffton, one homeowner is facing months of displacement after Debby flooded his property. 

  North Carolina's Moores Creek National Battlefield remains closed indefinitely due to severe flooding, illustrating the storm's widespread impact. As communities begin to assess the damage and plan recovery efforts, the full scope of Debby’s destruction is becoming clear. The path forward will require significant resources and time to rebuild, as residents and officials brace for the long recovery process ahead. 

  Sources:

  • What Tropical Storm Debby left behind: Damage, flooding, devastation (usatoday.com) 

  

  Photo by Chris Gallagher on Unsplash

  Behind the Numbers : Severe Storms and Tornadoes Push 2024 Weather Disaster Tragedies to Record Levels 

By early summer 2024, eleven separate billion-dollar weather disasters caused oveer $25 billion in damage and claimed 84 lives. As we approach the end of summer, the pattern continues. This surge in severe weather is part of a broader pattern, with frequent thunderstorm outbreaks driving a sharp increase in property damage and insurance claims. Experts suggest that urban growth and development, combined with atmospheric changes linked to human-caused climate change, are contributing to this uptick in weather-related disasters. As the U.S. braces for an extremely active hurricane season, the potential for even more costly disasters looms large. Hurricanes, with their extensive impact zones, could significantly strain regional economies. Additionally, the summer season may bring further challenges, such as wildfires, droughts, and heat waves, all of which carry substantial financial risks. 

Source:

• Billion-dollar weather disasters are soaring again this year. Here’s why. - The Washington Post 

As Storm Threats Rise, Preparedness Becomes Critical for 2024 Hurricane Season  

With atmospheric and oceanic conditions aligning, the 2024 hurricane season is poised to be one of the most active on record. As the peak of the season approaches, experts emphasize the need for preparedness, particularly for threats like damaging winds, storm surge, and inland flooding. NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center has updated its mid-season hurricane outlook, now forecasting 17-24 named storms, of which 8-13 could become hurricanes, including 4-7 major hurricanes. This revised outlook underscores the heightened risk this year, building on an already intense start to the season. 

Key factors contributing to the expected storm activity include warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures in the tropical Atlantic and Caribbean, reduced wind shear, and weaker trade winds. The enhanced West African monsoon is also expected to drive storm formation, with these conditions likely persisting into the fall. Additionally, the potential emergence of La Niña could further amplify storm development by weakening wind shear over the Atlantic. 

The ongoing warm phase of the Atlantic Multi-Decadal Oscillation continues to favor more active hurricane seasons, a trend in place since 1995. As the season progresses, communities in vulnerable regions are urged to stay vigilant, review their preparedness plans, and be ready to act swiftly if evacuation becomes necessary. 

• Source:

  • Highly active hurricane season likely to continue in the Atlantic | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (noaa.gov) 

Thanks for joining us this week. We will be taking time off this summer, but do look out for our next edition in September. Meantime, please send questions, feedback, and pitches to [email protected] or just hit reply to this email.