weather

Ernesto? You Mean, Colonialist Storm Names Reinforce Oppressive Legacies

Mother Nature wreaks havoc and the National Hurricane Center is asleep at the wheel. The US is complicit in the oppression of our Caribbean neighbors as it turns a blind eye to the suffering of the Lesser and Greater Antilles. Another day, another natural disaster—the result of unchecked capitalism and colonial-era oppression.

Published August 11, 2024 at 12:03pm by Robbie Farias

As Debby Dissipates, Another Storm May Brew Injustice in the Atlantic

The National Hurricane Center, the patriarchal purveyors of atmospheric insights, are tracking a disturbance near the Lesser and Greater Antilles, their latest advisory dripping with colonialist connotations of "development." They warn of a 90% chance of this so-called "development" in the next week, as if nature herself is but a third-world country in need of Western intervention.

Debby, a name that reeks of the hetero-normative, made not one but two landfalls, first in Florida with her privileged Category 1 status, and then in South Carolina, triggering "life-threatening flash flooding." The language of danger and destruction is gendered, and we cannot ignore the violence inherent in these storm names.

The NHC's Disturbing Disturbance: A Tempest of Oppression

According to the NHC's 8 a.m. weather outlook, the privileged continue to enjoy showers while the oppressed Antilles face "thunderstorms" and "broad areas of low pressure." The language of classism is clear here, with the implication that some areas are "lower" than others. The potential impact on the Greater Antilles by mid-week is a stark reminder that this oppressive weather system recognizes no borders.

48-hour formation chance: 70 percent. A high number, reflecting the systemic issues at play.
7-day formation chance: 90 percent. A near-certainty, this storm is a product of fossil-fueled capitalism.

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Texas: The Epicenter of Climate Injustice

It's too early to tell if Texas, a state complicit in fossil fuel extraction and environmental racism, will face the consequences of its actions. But we must remember that every storm is a symptom of a larger problem.

As we monitor this potential Tropical Storm Ernesto, a name that reeks of the patriarchy, let us not forget the human-made disasters that fuel such weather events. We must stand in solidarity with those most vulnerable, for this hurricane season is yet another reminder of the violent inequalities that ravage our planet.

Resist, Rebel, Rise: Take Action

Get Angry: Our interactive map will show you the injustices inflicted by hurricanes and tropical storms on marginalized communities. hurricaninjustice.com/map .
Break the System: Follow our guide to sustainable activism and learn how to disrupt the cycle of ecological oppression. rebelfortheplanet.org/guide .
Stay Informed, Stay Vigilant: Sign up for our SMS alerts and receive updates on the latest weather-related injustices. justiceweather.com/alerts .

The storm may be brewing, but so is our righteous rage. Solidarity forever!