When devastating and deadly events in Brazil, Australia, Columbia and Pakistan make headlines, like we have seen in recent months, some look to climate change or even some "2012-movie-style" rare alignment of the planets. These explanations are quick and easy, ignore the obvious and neglect the facts. The Australian floods were not record breaking. Enhanced La Niña rainfall, — which normally brings wetter conditions to northeastern Australia — and Tropical Cyclones Tasha and Yasi combined to give the region the worst floods it’s seen since 1973. In Brazil, lack of responsible planning across much of the country has led to deforestation and construction of entire cities at high risk for flooding and mudslides.