12 Years after Katrina, US Gulf Coast in Crisis Again

Massive flooding continues to devastate the US in the wake of Hurricane Harvey, causing the loss of 47 lives – a number that is sadly expected to grow. Despite having since been weakened to a tropical depression, Harvey has nevertheless stripped major cities of electricity and drinking water, and has displaced thousands of individuals and families. This tragic event comes twelve years to the week of Hurricane Katrina in Louisiana and, along with the more recent “Superstorm Sandy” that hit New York and New Jersey, serves as yet another poignant and costly reminder of the vulnerabilities of coastal regions, where 40% (and growing) of the US population lives.Green Cross International and its American regional office, Global Green USA, has played a leading role in creating resilient and adaptive strategies in response to these climate change-related events, including creating green affordable housing in New Orleans, post hurricane Katrina, and our “Solar for Sandy” projects in New York providing off-grid solar power to community centers in neighborhoods hardest hit by Hurricane Sandy. As a part of the Green Cross International network, and in cooperation with other NGOs and governments, Global Green USA maintains its efforts to address one of the most important issues facing our planet today: global climate change.

The entire Green Cross family sends their heartfelt condolences to the families affected by this devastating storm. Our resolve to combat climate change in support of affected communities continues unabated.