# Climate disasters aren't unimaginable

> Why calling disasters 'unimaginable' hides climate risks.
- Title: Climate disasters aren't unimaginable · Newsweek | Shortify
- Summary: Why calling disasters 'unimaginable' hides climate risks. Scientists modeled climate risks decades ago; calling disasters 'unimaginable' excuses poor…
- Keywords: climate disasters, unimaginable, climate modeling, preparedness, risk assessment, government accountability, Climate, disasters, aren't, Newsweek
- Source: Newsweek — https://newsweek.com/stop-calling-climate-disasters-unimaginable-opinion-12453911
- Published: 2026-09-17T15:01:18+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: climate disasters, unimaginable, climate modeling, preparedness, risk assessment, government accountability
## The word 'unimaginable'
Experts call disasters 'unimaginable' to avoid responsibility for poor preparation.

> unimaginable
## U.S. climate disasters
The U.S. had 403 climate disasters since 1980, costing over $2.9 trillion.
## Global impact
Disasters now cross borders, affecting economies worldwide.
## Scientific warnings
Scientists modeled climate risks decades ago, including extreme heat events.
## Language traps
Using 'unimaginable' makes disasters seem separate from known climate risks.
## Measurable preparedness
Governments must identify climate risks and report progress annually.
## Key takeaway

Scientists modeled climate risks decades ago; calling disasters 'unimaginable' excuses poor preparedness.