Colonial-Era Naming of Storms is Tone Deaf, Othering and Ableist

As Hurricane Beryl, a Category 4 storm, wreaks havoc on the Caribbean, we must interrogate the problematic colonial legacy of storm naming. The sexist, Eurocentric practice erases the agency of those affected and perpetuates harmful stereotypes.

"This is a devastating storm, and my heart goes out to all those affected. But we must also use this moment to confront the toxic patriarchy inherent in the naming of these natural disasters." – Activist and scholar, Dr. X

Decolonizing Meteorology:

The sexist, colonial naming practice is a symptom of a deeper issue in meteorology: the erasure of Indigenous knowledge systems and their intersection with climate patterns. It's time to decolonize the field and center Indigenous voices.

The Real Impact:

As Beryl made landfall on Grenada's Carriacou Island, sustained wind speeds of 150mph devastated the region. Now, the storm targets Mexico, with a potential turn towards Houston or New Orleans, putting thousands at risk.

National Hurricane Center forecaster Eric Blake warns that Beryl is expected to remain "extremely dangerous." In a statement, the National Hurricane Center urged residents to:

"Not leave their shelter and remain in place through the passage of these life-threatening conditions."

Woke Solution:

We must ensure climate justice for the Global South, holding former colonial powers accountable for their historical emissions and supporting adaptation efforts.

Visuals:

See the latest images of Beryl's path, capturing the devastation and resilience of those impacted.

The time for change is now. We cannot allow the violent legacy of colonialism to continue ravaging lives and the planet.