Some concerts remained in history as tragedies. Not the type of tragedy you would get from an oil spill or an extinct species, but the type of tragedy that dehumanizes people. Here are a few concerts that are mainly remembered for the bad, rather than the good.

Great White, USA, 2003

Great White got ready for an exciting, hard rock concert in a nightclub with a maximum capacity of 250 people. However, more than 400 people were caught in the incident, including the band and staff. The set reached an end as soon as the foam insulation inside the club caught fire.

Being a highly flammable material, the whole club was on fire, with hundreds of people trying to find a way out. Pretty much everyone sustained some sort of injury, while about 100 attendees were killed in the chaos. Similar tragedies occurred in Argentina, Thailand and Romania.

John Davidson, USA, 1977

This is one of the deadliest fire incidents in the USA. The Beverly Hills Supper Club had quite a few different halls, hosting multiple events at the same time. About 1,000 people were gathered in the main one, with hundreds more hanging around the other halls.

When the fire started, everyone tried to find a way out. Unfortunately, many people died while trying to exit, so they blocked every door with their bodies. More than 160 people died in this fire, with hundreds injured as well.

Love Parade, Germany, 2010

Love Parade drew hundreds of thousands of people every year. This particular time, more than a million people attended, yet the overall capacity for the festival was about 250,000. To reach the festival, attendees had to go through a tunnel.

Unfortunately, people rushing caused a tragedy, with 21 people dying suffocated or squashed in the tunnel. A few others were also injured in the incident. Since that tragic event, security measures at festivals have dramatically improved in Germany.

The Who Tour, USA, 1979

Finding tickets for your favorite band can be tricky, but once you get them, you’re ready to do anything to attend. Is Ticketmaster legit for tickets? Is Viagogo legit? What about Stubhub? Is Stubhub legit? Absolutely! Today, you can get your tickets online, but back in the day, you had to get them in person.

Besides, concerts used to operate on a first-come, first-serve basis, not like today, when you can pick your seats. Hearing the sound check prior to the concert, thousands of people decided to rush in. The incident caused 11 fans to die crushed, with dozens others injured. This heartbreaking event, known as The Who concert disaster, left a lasting impact on both the band and the music industry as a whole.

Damageplan Tour, USA, 2004

The 2004 concert will be remembered as a mass shooting event. Ex-military Nathan Gale was both schizophrenic and paranoid. One of the band members was shot on stage. Soon after the incident, Nathan Gale turned towards the crowd and started shooting.

Three other people were killed and a few others injured before a police officer managed to kill the attacker.

Roskilde Festival, Denmark, 2000

The Roskilde festival is among the biggest in the world. In 2000, while Pearl Jam was on stage, fans tried to make their way closer to the stage, pushing themselves forward. Sadly, nine of them passed away trampled under the crowd.

Altamont Speedway Free Festival, USA, 1969

Rolling Stones ended up performing at this festival on an unusually low stage, causing people to try to come closer. The band hired Hells Angels for protection, but with 300,000 people around, security was a challenge for the feared band.

When one of the concertgoers pulled out a firearm, she was stabbed and killed by the gang. Three other accidental deaths occurred throughout the festival at other acts.

Bottom line

These are some of the worst music tragedies affecting concerts and live shows across the world, which have had a profound and lasting impact on the music industry and concertgoers globally. While the interest for live concerts is still high, authorities and organizers are now doing more to protect the audience, staff and performers.

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Mass shooting represents an unfortunate reality in the USA. Sure, laws are getting stricter and stricter, as well as background checks and requirements. But at the end of the day, guns can sometimes get into the wrong hands.

Most of these people do have some background signs that should be picked on by the authorities.

It’s not like someone goes to a guns and ammo search engine like GunsNPrices to find a rare or sophisticated firearm to use on people later. Instead, such incidents are usually caused by troubled people who should never be allowed to own a gun in the first place.

With these thoughts in mind, here are some of the most serious tragedies involving mass shootings in the USA.

1. Las Vegas, Nevada, 2017

In 2017, a gunman started shooting at a crowd during the Route 91 Harvest festival. He did it from his room at a nearby hotel. He spent more than 15 minutes shooting at people, without anyone figuring out where the bullets were coming from.

He killed 58 people and injured nearly 900 people. He committed suicide before the police SWAT team could get to him. It’s one of the deadliest mass shootings in the modern history of the country.

• Orlando, Florida, 2016

A gay nightclub was targeted by a lunatic in 2016. He managed to kill 49 people, while more than 50 people were wounded. The police managed to kill him before he could cause even more damage. Many victims were Latino, as the nightclub was having a Latin Night event.

Despite the attacker claiming to be an ISIS militant, the police found no evidence between him and the terrorist organization.

• Blacksburg, Virginia, 2007

The massacre took place at the campus of the Virginia Tech University. It’s not just one of the deadliest tragedies in the country, but also one of the most significant ones involving schools and learning institutions. The gunman was one of the seniors in the school.

He attacked the campus in two different sessions. Altogether, he killed 32 people, both students and instructors. The attacks spread over two hours. He managed to kill himself before getting caught.

• Newton, Connecticut, 2012

An elementary school was targeted by a gunman in 2012, who started shooting at anyone showing up in front of him. Not less than 27 people were killed, six of them being teachers. All students were aged between six and seven.

The attack involved more than just the school assault. Just before going to the school, the gunman shot his own mother back home. As the police arrived at the institution, he committed suicide.

• Sutherland Springs, Texas, 2017

This attack shocked an entire community. It took place at the First Baptist Church in a small community of just 600 people. The attacker was wearing professional tactical gear and used a semiautomatic rifle to kill 26 people and injure 22 more.

He was found dead after a car chase, so he never got to answer for his actions.

At the moment, it’s the deadliest church shooting in the history of the country. Finding a reason for this tragedy is nearly impossible.

• Killeen, Texas, 1991

An attacker drove through the front window of a restaurant in Killeen in what appeared to be an accident. However, after injuring more people, he came out of the pickup truck and started shooting at everyone. Customers and staff were targeted altogether.

He managed to kill 23 people and injure 27 before committing suicide.

• El Paso, Texas, 2019

The attacker posted an anti-immigrant rant before actually doing the attack, blaming a Hispanic invasion of the state. He traveled 650 miles to reach a Walmart in El Paso in the summer of 2019 and killed 23 people. He also injured 23 other people.

He will spend the rest of his life in prison after receiving multiple life sentences.

Final words

The list can definitely go further, and such tragedies are still popping up in the news every now and then. These deadly events serve as stark reminders of the urgent need for comprehensive measures to address gun violence and enhance mental health support systems.

Loss of life is just as harmful as loss of nature, but hopefully, laws and regulations will go in the right direction to prevent such incidents in the future.​

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Seeking resilience, some casinos have explored online platforms like independentcasinos.net that allow operations to continue even when brick-and-mortar venues face temporary closure. By adapting to adverse events through digital means, the casino industry can build robust continuity plans to weather literal and figurative storms. Just as versatility aids survival in nature, diversification of platforms affords sustainability in the face of disasters.

As we delve into the impact of such calamities on Las Vegas and Atlantic City, two of America’s most iconic gambling destinations, a complex picture emerges. Las Vegas, situated in the Mojave Desert, is not just an oasis of entertainment but also a region prone to seismic activities. In July 2019, a 7.1 magnitude earthquake with its epicenter in California was felt strongly in Las Vegas, leading to momentary panic and disruptions in casino operations. Similarly, Atlantic City, nestled on the shores of New Jersey, faces the annual threat of hurricanes sweeping up the Atlantic coast. These natural events not only pose immediate risks to the structural integrity and functioning of casinos but also have far-reaching effects on the economic stability and employment within these regions. Such real-life incidents underscore the precarious balance these entertainment hubs maintain in the face of nature’s unpredictability.

Overview of Casino Hotspots: Las Vegas and Atlantic City

Las Vegas, often hailed as the world’s gambling capital, sits like a jewel in the Nevada desert. Home to over 100 casinos, this city is synonymous with extravagant entertainment and high-stakes gambling. The famous Las Vegas Strip, a stretch of South Las Vegas Boulevard, is lined with massive casino resorts, each boasting a unique theme, luxurious hotels, and an array of entertainment options. Yet, this desert metropolis is not immune to nature’s whims. Located in an area with significant seismic activity, Las Vegas faces the ever-present risk of earthquakes. The 1992 Landers earthquake, although centered in California, was strongly felt in Las Vegas, causing damage to buildings and temporarily disrupting the ceaseless hum of casino activities.

On the East Coast lies Atlantic City, New Jersey’s answer to Las Vegas. Established in the late 19th century as a health resort, the city rapidly evolved into a gaming and entertainment hub with the legalization of gambling in the 1970s. The Atlantic City Boardwalk, the first in the United States, stretches along the Atlantic Ocean, hosting numerous casinos and hotels. Unlike Las Vegas’ seismic challenges, Atlantic City’s nemesis comes from the ocean in the form of hurricanes. The city’s coastal location makes it particularly vulnerable to these destructive storms. Hurricane Sandy in 2012 was a stark reminder of this vulnerability, as it caused catastrophic damage to the boardwalk and led to the temporary closure of several casinos, severely impacting the city’s economy and employment rates. These contrasting yet equally challenging scenarios highlight the unique vulnerabilities each of these iconic casino destinations faces.

Natural Disasters and Their Direct Impact

Las Vegas and Atlantic City, though geographically distant, share a common vulnerability to natural disasters, albeit of different types. Las Vegas’ susceptibility to seismic events due to its location in the seismically active state of Nevada is a major concern. For instance:

1. 1992 Landers Earthquake: Originating in California, this quake was felt in Las Vegas, causing not just physical damage to casino properties but also a rare halt in the city’s 24-hour casino operations. The interruption of services was a jolt to the city’s image of never-ending activity and raised concerns about future seismic preparedness.
2. 2019 Ridgecrest Earthquake: Also in California, its tremors reached Las Vegas, leading to evacuations and temporary shutdowns in casinos, disrupting the city’s non-stop entertainment scene. This event underlined the need for robust emergency response plans in casinos, emphasizing the importance of guest safety in crisis situations.

In contrast, Atlantic City’s coastal position exposes it to the ferocity of hurricanes:

Hurricane Sandy (2012): This catastrophic storm devastated the Atlantic City Boardwalk, flooded casinos, and led to a significant decline in tourism. The storm’s economic toll on the casino industry was profound:

These events highlight the immediate and disruptive impacts of natural disasters on these casino destinations. While Las Vegas grapples with the unpredictability of earthquakes, Atlantic City contends with the destructive power of hurricanes, each scenario presenting its unique set of challenges.

Economic Repercussions for Casinos

The financial implications of natural disasters on casinos are vast and multifaceted, often extending far beyond the immediate repair costs. In Las Vegas, earthquakes like the 1992 Landers and 2019 Ridgecrest events have not only necessitated physical repairs to damaged structures but also resulted in significant revenue losses during operational downtimes. These seismic events underscore the economic vulnerability of a city where the casino industry is a major economic driver. For instance, even a single day of closure can result in millions of dollars in lost revenue for the major casinos on the Strip. Additionally, the cost of reinforcing structures to be more earthquake-resistant adds another layer of financial burden for casino operators.

Atlantic City’s experience with Hurricane Sandy in 2012 serves as a telling case study of economic recovery post-disaster. The hurricane’s immediate impact was devastating – with a loss of approximately $500 million in casino revenues and extensive damage to properties. However, the recovery process also brought about opportunities for renewal and revitalization. Post-Sandy, many casinos invested in major renovations and upgrades, not only to repair the hurricane damages but also to modernize and enhance their appeal. This reinvestment has been a key factor in Atlantic City’s gradual economic recovery, showing resilience in the face of adversity. The city’s ability to bounce back demonstrates the critical role of strategic planning and investment in disaster recovery for the casino industry.

1. Economic Impact in Las Vegas Post-Earthquakes
   1. Revenue Loss: Millions of dollars per day during closures.
   2. Structural Reinforcement Costs: Substantial investments in earthquake-resistant constructions.
2. Economic Recovery in Atlantic City Post-Hurricane Sandy
   1. Immediate Revenue Loss: Approximately $500 million.
   2. Long-Term Investments: Significant funds allocated for renovations and modernization of casino properties.

Effects on Casino Employees and Local Communities

The ripple effects of natural disasters on casino hotspots extend far beyond the immediate physical and economic damages, deeply impacting the lives of casino employees and the broader local communities. In Las Vegas, the closure of casinos, even for a short duration due to an earthquake, can lead to a significant loss of income for the thousands of individuals employed in these establishments. The 2019 Ridgecrest Earthquake, for example, led to temporary evacuations and closures, disrupting the livelihoods of countless casino workers who rely on daily wages. Additionally, the broader service industry in Las Vegas, which thrives on the constant flow of tourists and gamblers, also suffers during such disruptions, highlighting the city’s economic dependency on the continuous operation of its casinos.

In Atlantic City, the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy in 2012 painted a stark picture of the community’s vulnerability. The extensive damage to casinos, a major source of employment in the region, led to job losses and reduced hours for many workers. This had a cascading effect on the local economy, as reduced incomes meant less spending in local businesses, exacerbating the economic downturn. However, the resilience of these communities is notable. Post-disaster recovery efforts often see a surge in employment opportunities in reconstruction and renovation projects. For instance, the rebuilding phase post-Hurricane Sandy created numerous jobs, aiding in the gradual economic rejuvenation of Atlantic City. These scenarios underscore the intricate link between the well-being of casino employees, the health of local businesses, and the overall stability of communities centered around gaming and entertainment industries.

1. Las Vegas Post-Earthquake Impact on Workforce
   1. Temporary Job Losses: Disruptions in casino operations affecting employees’ income.
   2. Service Industry Strain: The knock-on effect on local businesses reliant on the casino-fueled tourist influx.
2. Atlantic City Post-Hurricane Sandy Community Impact
   1. Employment Challenges: Immediate job losses and reduced hours in the wake of casino closures.
   2. Economic Revival: Job creation during the rebuilding and renovation phase, aiding community recovery.

Disaster Preparedness and Response Strategies

In response to the heightened risk of natural disasters, casinos in both Las Vegas and Atlantic City have increasingly focused on developing comprehensive disaster preparedness and response strategies. In Las Vegas, the lessons learned from past earthquakes have led to a greater emphasis on structural resilience. Casinos are now more frequently incorporating earthquake-resistant design features and investing in regular structural assessments to mitigate potential damages. Moreover, emergency response protocols, including evacuation procedures and employee training, have become a standard part of operational planning. For instance, following the 2019 Ridgecrest Earthquake, many casinos quickly implemented their emergency plans, safely evacuating guests and staff, demonstrating the effectiveness of such preparedness measures.

Atlantic City, facing the recurrent threat of hurricanes, has adopted a different set of strategies. Post-Hurricane Sandy, casinos have invested heavily in flood mitigation measures, such as improved drainage systems and reinforced barriers along the coast. Additionally, the implementation of advanced weather monitoring systems allows for better prediction and quicker response to impending storms. This proactive approach was evident in the handling of subsequent storms, where casinos were able to minimize damages and ensure the safety of both guests and employees. These initiatives not only protect the physical assets and people within these establishments but also contribute to the broader resilience of the local communities that rely on the continued operation of the casinos.

1. Las Vegas Earthquake Preparedness
   1. Structural Resilience: Increased focus on earthquake-resistant designs and regular structural assessments.
   2. Emergency Protocols: Development and implementation of comprehensive evacuation and response plans.
2. Atlantic City Hurricane Response
   1. Flood Mitigation: Investments in infrastructure to reduce flood risks.
   2. Advanced Weather Monitoring: Utilization of technology for better storm prediction and preparedness.

Wrap-up

The interplay between casinos and natural disasters in America, particularly in Las Vegas and Atlantic City, is a complex narrative of risk, resilience, and recovery. These entertainment hubs, symbolizing leisure and economic prosperity, are continually challenged by the unpredictable forces of nature. In Las Vegas, the threat of earthquakes necessitates ongoing vigilance and adaptation, with the city’s casinos investing in structural resilience and emergency preparedness to safeguard their patrons, employees, and assets. Atlantic City’s battle with hurricanes, on the other hand, involves a constant refinement of coastal defenses and disaster response mechanisms. The experiences of these cities highlight a crucial aspect of the casino industry – its remarkable ability to bounce back from adversities, often emerging stronger and more prepared for future challenges.

Looking towards the future, the increasing risks posed by natural disasters due to climate change and other environmental factors present an ongoing challenge for casino hotspots. The need for sustainable, resilient infrastructure and robust disaster preparedness strategies has never been more critical. As these destinations continue to evolve, the lessons learned from past disasters are shaping a new era of casino operations, one that prioritizes safety, sustainability, and resilience. This evolution reflects a broader commitment not just to the continuity of the gaming and entertainment industries, but also to the protection and prosperity of the communities and economies they support. In this dynamic landscape, the future of casino hotspots will be defined by their ability to adapt and thrive amidst the uncertainties of a changing world.

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These climate-induced challenges compel the casino industry to rethink and remodel its operational and structural paradigms. Casinos, traditionally known for their lavish energy consumption and environmental footprint, are now adopting innovative measures to mitigate their impact on the environment and prepare for the adverse effects of climate change. The shift towards sustainability is not just a response to regulatory pressures but also a strategic move to ensure long-term viability in an increasingly unpredictable world. By integrating green technologies, enhancing energy efficiency, and implementing disaster preparedness plans, casinos are beginning to roll the dice in favor of a more sustainable and resilient future, betting against the odds that climate change presents.

The Casino Industry at a Glance

The global casino industry, with its vibrant allure and economic prowess, stands as a cornerstone of the entertainment and tourism sectors. Generating billions of dollars in revenue annually, it not only captivates millions of visitors with its blend of luxury, leisure, and gaming but also serves as a critical economic engine for many regions. For instance, in 2019, the American Gaming Association reported that the U.S. casino industry alone contributed $261 billion to the U.S. economy and supported 1.8 million jobs. Globally, from the bustling streets of Macau, the world’s largest gambling market, to the historic and opulent casinos of Monte Carlo, the industry’s economic impact is profound. However, these economic hubs are situated in regions with distinct vulnerabilities to climate change. Macau, for example, faces the threat of rising sea levels and increased typhoon activity, while Las Vegas battles extreme temperatures and water scarcity, challenges that are exacerbated by the changing climate.

This geographical distribution highlights a paradox; the very locations that have fueled the casino industry’s growth are now areas of significant environmental risk. Coastal casino destinations like Atlantic City, which rely heavily on their seaside appeal, are confronting the realities of coastal erosion and storm surges, phenomena intensified by climate change. Similarly, the desert oasis of Las Vegas is experiencing more frequent heatwaves, putting a strain on resources and impacting tourist comfort. These environmental challenges necessitate a shift in how casinos operate and plan for the future, underscoring the need for the industry to adapt to survive. As casinos continue to grapple with these realities, the drive towards sustainability and resilience becomes not just a moral imperative but a business necessity, pushing the industry towards innovative solutions to weather the storm of climate change.

Climate Change: A High-Stakes Game for Casinos

The casino industry’s battle against climate change is twofold, involving both the escalation of environmental conditions and the surge in catastrophic weather events. In desert locales such as Las Vegas, escalating temperatures due to global warming exacerbate the demand for air conditioning, leading to soaring operational costs and potentially deterring tourists during the sweltering summer peaks. On the flip side, casinos nestled along coastlines, like those in Atlantic City, grapple with the dual threats of rising sea levels and intensified storms. The impact of Hurricane Sandy serves as a stark reminder, with its devastating floods in 2012 causing significant damage to casino infrastructures and a noticeable downturn in visitor numbers.

These instances underscore the pressing need for the casino sector to weave climate resilience into their operational fabric. Facing these environmental adversaries head-on, the industry is compelled to devise robust disaster readiness strategies and to invest in green technologies. Such proactive measures are not only critical for safeguarding assets and guests but also pivotal for securing the sector’s future prosperity amidst the evolving climate narrative.

Adaptation Strategies of Casinos to Climate Change

In response to the escalating threats posed by climate change, the casino industry has begun to roll out a series of adaptation strategies aimed at mitigating environmental impacts and bolstering resilience. Technological innovations are at the forefront of this movement, with casinos integrating cutting-edge solutions such as energy-efficient HVAC systems to reduce carbon footprints and smart building technologies that optimize energy use in real-time. For instance, the MGM Resorts International has embarked on a journey towards sustainability by implementing the MGM Resorts Mega Solar Array, a massive solar project designed to supply renewable energy to its Las Vegas properties, significantly offsetting their reliance on traditional energy sources.

Moreover, structural modifications and operational changes are becoming increasingly prevalent as casinos strive to withstand the test of climate volatility. Enhanced flood defenses and elevated structures are being adopted by coastal casinos to combat the risk of rising sea levels and storm surges. In the realm of operational adjustments, many casinos are revising their emergency preparedness plans to include climate-specific scenarios, ensuring a swift and effective response to natural disasters. The adaptation journey also extends to water conservation efforts, with casinos like those in arid regions incorporating drought-resistant landscaping and water recycling systems to navigate the challenges of water scarcity. These strategic initiatives underscore the industry’s commitment to sustainability, demonstrating a proactive approach to securing a greener, more resilient future.

The Role of Sustainable Practices in the Casino Industry

As the casino industry confronts the reality of climate change, a significant shift towards sustainable practices is becoming increasingly evident, marking a pivotal transition in how these entertainment giants operate and impact their environment. This shift is characterized by a comprehensive embrace of green initiatives, ranging from the adoption of renewable energy sources to the implementation of rigorous waste management and water conservation protocols. For example, the Wynn Las Vegas resort has made headlines by achieving a remarkable milestone: powering its entire operation with 100% renewable energy sourced from the nearby 160-acre solar energy facility. This move not only underscores the feasibility of large-scale renewable energy adoption in the industry but also sets a precedent for others to follow.

In addition to energy sustainability, casinos are revamping their approach to waste management and water usage, crucial steps given the resource-intensive nature of their operations. Initiatives such as on-site recycling programs, food waste reduction strategies, and the installation of water-efficient fixtures are becoming more common. The Bellagio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, known for its iconic fountains, utilizes a sophisticated water conservation system that recycles water within its fountains and lake, significantly reducing its overall water consumption. These efforts are part of a broader industry trend towards sustainability, reflecting a growing recognition of the importance of environmental stewardship and the role it plays in ensuring the long-term viability and success of the casino sector.

Challenges and Future Directions

Despite the strides made towards sustainability, the casino industry faces a myriad of challenges in its quest to fully adapt to the realities of climate change. One of the primary hurdles is the substantial upfront investment required for green technologies and infrastructure upgrades. The transition to energy-efficient systems and renewable energy sources demands significant financial resources, which can be a daunting prospect for smaller casinos. Additionally, there’s the challenge of balancing the allure and extravagance that casinos are known for with the need for environmental responsibility. For instance, the famed neon lights and water shows are iconic to casino resorts but pose sustainability concerns. Furthermore, navigating regulatory landscapes and ensuring compliance with an ever-evolving array of environmental standards adds another layer of complexity to the industry’s sustainability efforts.

Looking ahead, the casino industry’s future directions are likely to be shaped by a continued focus on sustainable development and climate resilience. Innovations in green building design, such as LEED certification, are becoming more prevalent, setting new standards for environmental responsibility in the industry. The integration of climate risk assessments into long-term business planning is also expected to gain traction, enabling casinos to better prepare for and mitigate the impacts of climate change. Moreover, as public awareness and concern for environmental issues grow, casinos that prioritize sustainability can leverage this as a competitive advantage, attracting patrons who value eco-friendly practices. The journey towards a more sustainable and resilient casino industry is complex, but the evolving landscape of environmental challenges also presents opportunities for innovation and leadership in sustainability.

Conclusion

The intersection of the casino industry with the pressing issue of climate change has illuminated a path of challenges and adaptation strategies that underscore the sector’s resilience and capacity for innovation. From the sprawling energy-intensive resorts of Las Vegas to the vulnerable coastal casinos of Atlantic City, the industry has begun to confront its environmental impact head-on. Initiatives like the MGM Resorts International’s commitment to renewable energy and the Wynn Las Vegas’ achievement of 100% renewable power operation serve as benchmarks for what is possible when environmental stewardship is prioritized. These efforts, alongside advancements in sustainable building practices and operational changes aimed at reducing water usage and waste, reflect a significant shift in how casinos approach their role in the global environmental landscape.

Reflecting on the importance of environmental stewardship within the casino industry reveals a broader narrative about the role of businesses in combating climate change. The journey towards sustainability within this sector is not just about mitigating risks or complying with regulations; it’s about setting a precedent for environmental responsibility and innovation. As the industry continues to evolve, the integration of sustainability into every facet of operations will likely become a defining feature of successful casinos. In this light, the casino industry’s response to climate change is not merely a story of adaptation but a testament to the transformative power of embracing environmental stewardship as a cornerstone of business practice. The ongoing commitment to sustainability efforts not only ensures the longevity of the casino industry itself but also contributes to the global fight against climate change, making the high-stakes gamble on green initiatives a bet worth placing.

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On February 3, 2023, a freight train carrying highly toxic chemicals from the Norfolk Southern Railway derailed on the border between Ohio and Pennsylvania, USA, near the village of East Palestine. East Palestine with a population of 4700 people. As a result of the damage to the railroad cars, highly toxic chemicals were released into the air, water, and land.

The train that derailed was a Norfolk Southern freight train consisting of three locomotives with the leading number ES44AC #8152, nine empty cars and 141 loaded cars. The train was traveling from the St. Louis Railway Association terminal in Madison, Illinois, to Norfolk Southern’s Conway Yard in Conway, Pennsylvania. A driver, a conductor and a conductor trainee were aboard the 2.8 km long train.

Around 8:55 pm local time on February 3, 2023, about 50 cars derailed. Of the 141 cars on the train, 20 were carrying hazardous materials – vinyl chloride, butyl acrylate, ethyl hexyl acrylate, ethylene glycol, monobutyl ether, isobutylene, flammable liquids and benzene derivatives, with butyl acrylate, vinyl chloride and ethyl hexyl acrylate in 14 cars.

Train collision in South Carolina

The South Carolina train collision is an accident that occurred on February 4, 2018, as a result of a collision between an Amtrak passenger train and a CSX freight train.

On February 4, 2018, at 2:35 a.m. local time, an Amtrak train traveling from New York to Miami collided with a CSX freight train.
The impact caused the locomotive and several passenger cars to derail.
The accident occurred near the city of Cayce outside of the District of Columbia.

Causes of the accident
According to the preliminary version, the accident occurred as a result of an Amtrak train going on the wrong track.

According to South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster, the freight train was standing on the tracks near the main railroad line and was empty, while the passenger train was moving on the wrong tracks.

There is also an opinion in the media that the switches on the railroad track may have been set incorrectly, which caused the passenger train to leave the main track and collide with the freight train.

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Even experienced foremen of a Texas port were not aware that ammonium nitrate is not a safe substance. Hence the carelessness that led to the dire consequences.

On April 16, 1947, at 8 a.m., a fire was discovered and more than half of the city’s firefighters and reporters came to the scene. No one felt particularly threatened. To make matters worse, the captain at first made no attempt to flood the fire with water, he was sorry to spoil the valuable cargo. Intuition failed, and that’s what killed them.

At 9:12 a.m. it burst into flames. Eyewitnesses say that the “Grankan” and everyone who was near it went up in flames. The shock wave traveled onward, demolishing capital buildings, cars, oil rigs and ships in its path. Of those who were in the port at the time of the explosion, miraculously survived a few.

Explosion of the very first atomic bomb (restored video)
To do anything at this point was useless. Hell had broken loose. And that was just the beginning. Immediately, numerous oil refineries caught fire, covering the city in black smoke and flames. Almost the entire city blazed stinkingly into the night. And when all seemed to have subsided, two more ships, the Highflyer and the Wilson Keene, burst into flames at 1:00 a.m. The Highflyer and the Wilson Keene. On board was sulphur and the same saltpeter. It took three days to put out the countless deadly fires.

It didn’t take long to find out the cause of the explosion. It turned out that the blatant illiteracy of personnel and management led to the fact that the workers were quietly smoking at the loading of ammonium nitrate. And the saltpeter was packed in trivial paper bags instead of fireproof boxes.

A dropped cigarette butt sent 1,500 people to heaven, more than a third of whom died in the first explosion. The city was two-thirds destroyed, the port entirely. Three kilometers from the point of explosion were found multi-ton cast-iron machines and ship engines. The debris was demolished by cars and passing small airplanes. A disaster on an unprecedented scale for America.

It is noteworthy that a year before, a similar accident almost destroyed the Soviet port of Nakhodka: the cargo of the steamship Dalstroy detonated, killing more than a hundred people on July 24, 1946.

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For example, in the small town of Bath, Michigan, an 82-year-old woman died of frostbite she received on the street. Authorities in New York and Colorado reported several deaths related to weather and environmental impacts. The icy conditions caused many car accidents, power line breaks, and flight delays.

A winter storm in the US is accompanied by a sharp drop in temperature, heavy snowfall and wind. All this has led to many accidents, power outages and flight delays. In addition, more than 755 thousand homes and businesses across the country lost power on Christmas Eve.

The unprecedented winter storm has already led to problems with gas production in the United States. It is noted that production figures on Friday, December 23, decreased by almost 2.8 million cubic meters, which is a record value for the last more than 10 years. Production was down about 10% from the previous day due to icy pipes amid below-freezing temperatures in the main producing regions. Domestic demand for gas rose to its highest level since the beginning of 2019.

The United States experienced a sharp cold snap this week, with strong wind gusts and snowfall. In many states, temperatures dropped to near-record levels. A state of emergency in the energy sector has been declared in Texas. About 1 million customers remain without power.

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On April 20, an explosion caused the platform to catch fire, which lasted 26 hours. After unsuccessful attempts to extinguish it from firefighting vessels, the platform sank. As a result of the explosion, 11 people went missing and 115 people were evacuated. The oil spill lasted for 152 days and by September 19, 5 million barrels (795 thousand cubic meters) of oil had leaked into the Gulf of Mexico. As of April 29, 2010, an oil slick with a diameter of 190 kilometers reached the mouth of the Mississippi River, on June 4 – the state of Florida; on July 6, oil slicks were found off the coast of Texas and Louisiana. As of August 2010, the size of the underwater oil plume at a depth of 1,100 meters reached 35 kilometers in length.

Attempts to stop the oil leak from the damaged well began almost immediately, but they did not yield the desired result. On May 7, a 100-ton steel dome was installed over the well to cover the pipe damaged in the explosion on the drilling platform and prevent further oil from entering the water, but it proved ineffective. On July 13, a special 75-ton plug was installed and on September 17, the oil leak was stopped by pumping a special cement mortar into the well.

As a result of the oil spill, nearly 2,000 kilometers of coastline were contaminated – all US states with access to the Gulf of Mexico were affected by the oil spill. As of November 2, 2010, 6814 dead animals were collected, including 6104 birds, 609 sea turtles, 100 dolphins and other mammals.

The economy of the coastal states suffered great damage – due to the ban on fishing in a third of the Gulf of Mexico, more than 150,000 fishermen and restaurant workers lost their jobs; a six-month moratorium on deepwater drilling was also imposed, resulting in the loss of 13,000 jobs. Losses to the tourism industry were estimated at $23 billion over a three-year period.

The subsequent investigation showed that the accident was caused by human error, including personnel’s wrong decisions, technical malfunctions and design flaws of the oil platform; the explosion itself was caused by a methane leak that spread through the ventilation system on the drilling platform, and after the explosion, an emergency safety device that was supposed to automatically plug the well and prevent oil leakage in the event of an accident failed.

Under the US law, the holder of an oil production license is liable for environmental damage – as of the beginning of 2012, more than 100,000 lawsuits were filed against BP, Transocean Ltd., Halliburton and Cameron International (co-owners of the licenses) by private individuals; lawsuits for compensation of financial losses related to the oil spill were also filed against BP by the companies’ shareholders, with the main plaintiffs being pension funds of the states of New York and Ohio. In early March 2012, it was announced that BP and 100,000 plaintiffs had entered into a pre-trial agreement under which BP is to pay compensation to the victims in the amount of USD 7,800,000,000.

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It occurred on March 27, 1964. The first underground shock with a magnitude of 9.2 on the Richter scale was recorded at 3:36 a.m., its epicenter was located deep in Collegiate Fjord in Prince William Sound on the west coast of North America. This is a zone of high seismic activity, as the North American and Pacific plates are in subduction, i.e., moving under each other.

The tremors, which lasted four minutes, seriously changed the entire geology of the region. Latush Island moved 18 meters to the south, and Kadyak Island rose out of the water by 15 meters. The city of Anchorage, located 120 kilometers from the epicenter, was severely damaged, especially its suburb of Turnagain Heights, where a huge landslide buried 75 houses. The city of Portage was completely destroyed, dropping 3 meters below sea level. The town of Valdiz was also completely destroyed. The area affected by the earthquake was approximately 130,000 square kilometers, but due to the low population density in these places, only 9 people died.

Earthquake in Hawaii

In the first week of May 2018, more than 70 aftershocks were recorded, with a minimum amplitude of 2.5 on the Richter scale (earthquake magnitude) and a maximum amplitude of more than 7, which led to the closure and evacuation of the National Park, covering 140,000 hectares – 13 percent of the total area of the Big Island. As of May 4, 2018, there were no reports of injuries or deaths, however, 2 residential buildings were caught in the lava ring, and the population was warned about the presence of hazardous gases in the air. The evacuation, in one way or another, affected about ten thousand citizens, more than two thousand people left for the safety zone, where mobile Red Cross stations were activated.

As a result, it became known that two people died and 28 others were injured.

The earthquake resulted in a minor tsunami that reached a maximum height of 40 cm (15.7 inches) in Kapoho, 20 cm (7.9 inches) in Hilo and 15 cm (5.9 inches) in Honuapo.

Loma Prieta

The Loma Prieta earthquake was a 1989 earthquake that occurred in Northern California on October 17 at 17:4 local time.

The epicenter of the earthquake was located approximately 16 km northeast of the city of Santa Cruz on the San Andreas fault. The earthquake was named after the highest point in the range of the Santa Cruz mountain range – Loma Prieta Mountain.

Intensity and spread as a video animation
The city of Santa Cruz suffered the most damage and losses. As a result of the earthquake, more than 18 thousand houses were destroyed, 63 people were killed and 3757 were injured. The total material damage was estimated at almost $6 billion.

Earthquake in San Francisco

The 1906 San Francisco earthquake was an earthquake that occurred at 5:12 am (local time) on April 18, 1906. The epicenter was located 3 km west of San Francisco, intensity of surface waves on the Richter scale was 7.7, seismic moment – 7.9.

The tremors were felt from Oregon all the way to Los Angeles, and inland to the center of Nevada. The earthquake and subsequent fires killed up to 3,000 people, left 225,000-300,000 homeless, and destroyed 80% of buildings in San Francisco.

The earthquake was accompanied by ground displacements along the San Andreas fault of up to 6.0-8.5 m. The displacements were observed in its northern third on a 477 km long section.

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The accident occurred at the second power unit of the NPP due to the late detection of a leakage of coolant in the first reactor circuit and, accordingly, the loss of nuclear fuel cooling. The accident resulted in a meltdown of about 50% of the reactor core, after which the power unit was never restored. The NPP premises were heavily contaminated, but the radiation consequences for the public and the environment were insignificant. The accident was assigned level 5 on the INES scale.

The accident exacerbated the existing crisis in the US nuclear power industry and caused a surge in anti-nuclear sentiment in society. Although all this did not lead to an immediate cessation of the growth of the US nuclear power industry, its historical development was halted. From 1979 to 2012, no new nuclear power plant construction licenses were issued, and the commissioning of the 71st previously planned plant was canceled.

Prior to the Chernobyl accident that occurred seven years later, the Three Mile Island accident was considered the largest in the history of global nuclear power and is still considered the worst nuclear accident in the United States, which severely damaged the reactor core and melted some of the nuclear fuel.

Consequences

Although the nuclear fuel partially melted, it did not burn through the reactor vessel. Therefore, the radioactive substances mostly remained inside. According to various estimates, the radioactivity of noble gases released into the atmosphere ranged from 2.5 to 13 million Ci (480.1015 Bq). However, the release of hazardous nuclides, such as 131I, was insignificant. The territory of the station was also contaminated by radioactive water leaking from the first circuit. It was decided that there was no need to evacuate the population living near the plant, but the governor of Pennsylvania advised that pregnant women and preschool children leave the eight-kilometer zone around the plant. The average equivalent radiation dose for people living in the 16-kilometer zone was 8 millirems (80 μSv) and did not exceed 100 millirems (1 mSv) for any of the residents. For comparison, 8 millirems is approximately the same as the dose received during a fluoroscopy, and 100 millirems is ⅓ of the average dose received by a US resident in a year due to background radiation.

A thorough investigation of the accident was conducted. It was recognized that the operators made a number of mistakes that seriously aggravated the situation. These mistakes were caused by the fact that the operators were overloaded with information, some of which was not relevant to the situation, and some of which was simply incorrect. After the accident, changes were made to the operator training system. While before the accident the main focus was on the operator’s ability to analyze the situation and determine what caused the problem, after the accident the training was focused on the operator’s ability to follow predefined technological procedures. Control panels and other plant equipment were also improved. All U.S. NPPs have developed emergency action plans that provide for rapid notification of residents within a 10-mile zone.

Work to eliminate the consequences of the accident began in August 1979 and was officially completed in December 1993. They cost $975 million. The territory of the NPP was decontaminated and the fuel was unloaded from the reactor. However, part of the radioactive water was absorbed into the concrete of the containment, and this radioactivity is almost impossible to remove.

The operation of another reactor (TMI-1) was resumed in 1985.

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