Hurricanes vs. Human Infrastructure: When to Adapt, and When to Leave? | Weathered

Weathered host, Maiya May, explores the latest climate models that connect global warming to increased hurricane intensity. She speaks with experts about what this means for aging infrastructure and for the residents of hurricane-prone regions who must decide if they want to adapt to this new storm norm or leave to find a safer place to live.

Students will discuss the cause-and-effect relationships and solutions described in the video and then have the option of engaging in a debate over when to leave and when to adapt to a new climate. An optional map-based activity allows the class to explore the natural risk trends associated with their own region and apply what they’ve learned to making proposals and suggestions about planning for their community’s new climate.

About the Author:

Merek Chang is a high school science teacher in Hacienda La Puente Unified School District in Southern California. He received his B.S from UC Davis and an M.A in education from San Diego State University. He is a KQED Media Literacy Innovator and is passionate about uplifting student voices and connecting the community to the classroom through the lens of environmental literacy and civic engagement.