How America’s Surging Disasters Are Shrinking Its Support for Emergencies Abroad (shared by Fouad Kronfol)
Title: The Overlooked Link Between Disaster Response at Home and U.S. Power Abroad
Author: Leonardo Martinez-Diaz
Publication: Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
Date: 18 June 2026
Click here for the article
This is a thought-provoking article that must resonate with many XUNICEF colleagues who have worked in emergency situations. It should be equally of concern to UNICEF EMOPS and, of course to many other organizations dealing with humanitarian issues; both natural and man-made disasters are increasing around the world and much more should be done to mitigate the course of climate change and its impact on humans, especially for the vulnerable groups.
This is a thought-provoking article that must resonate with many XUNICEF colleagues who have worked in emergency situations. It should be equally of concern to UNICEF EMOPS and, of course to many other organizations dealing with humanitarian issues; both natural and man-made disasters are increasing around the world and much more should be done to mitigate the course of climate change and its impact on humans, especially for the vulnerable groups.
Summary:
The article argues that increasingly severe natural disasters in the United States pose systemic risks to infrastructure, the economy, and public support for international engagement. It details how climate change and risky development patterns are driving up the fiscal and economic costs of disasters while straining vital systems such as transport and nuclear power. It also explains that weak disaster preparedness and a shift toward reduced federal support could erode U.S. global influence by undermining economic strength and domestic backing for foreign policy.
“Add it all up, and the actual costs amounted to just under $1 trillion in 2024 alone, or about 3 percent of GDP.”
“Where the administration and Congress go next on disaster policy will have lasting consequences.”
Quotes:
“Natural disasters are no longer modest-scale, localized incidents, easily contained and absorbed by the world’s largest economy.”“Add it all up, and the actual costs amounted to just under $1 trillion in 2024 alone, or about 3 percent of GDP.”
“Where the administration and Congress go next on disaster policy will have lasting consequences.”
A reminder - in 2025 UNICEF did not just cut its budget and 3000 staff due to USAID cuts - but due to a wider GLOBAL trend in donors reducing aid budgets and in many cases raising defense budgets. It would be fair to do such an analysis for each of the large donors who have made drastic cuts to their aid budget - it is not the US standing alone but is a global trend.
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