Did Scientists Just Figure Out Why People Die A DECADE Earlier in the Southeast US?

PBS Terra September 18, 2025
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PBS Terra

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PBS Terra is the home of science and nature shows from PBS Digital Studios. Subscribe to explore the frontiers of science and tech, our minds and bodies, our planet (and beyond)! Our shows: Weathered: Science Communicator Maiya May investigates why we have more extreme weather and natural disasters than ever before and teaches you how to prepare. Overview: Hosted by Joe Hanson, Overview combines incredible cinematography with science storytelling to reveal both the natural phenomena and human forces shaping our planet. Untold Earth: In collaboration with Atlas Obscura and NATURE, Untold Earth unpacks the stories behind North America’s strangest, most unique natural wonders.

Video Description

People living in the Southeastern United States die about a decade earlier on average than other Americans. At first glance, natural disasters don’t seem to explain it. Data even suggests that global disaster deaths are going down. But new research reveals a hidden toll that’s been overlooked for decades. And it uncovers what exactly is causing millions of “invisible deaths” in the Southeast. Rachel Young and Solomon Hsiang Paper: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-07945-5 Life Expectancy Map: https://americaninequality.substack.com/p/life-expectancy-and-inequality Images of 1931 Chinese Floods provided courtesy of the Missionary Society of St. Columban. ***** PBS Member Stations rely on viewers like you. To support your local station, go to: http://to.pbs.org/DonateTerra ***** Subscribe to PBS Terra so you never miss an episode! https://bit.ly/3mOfd77 And keep up with PBS Terra on: Facebook: https://facebook.com/pbsdigitalstudios Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pbsterra Instagram: https://instagram.com/pbsterra

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