Climate Change Is Here: Devastating Floods in the US & Billions Lost
It’s a scary fact - climate change is happening at a faster rate than what scientists had previously estimated. Contrary to the prevailing belief that global climate change is a concern for the distant future, it is actually an urgent issue that is affecting us presently. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change emphasizes that the collective body of research suggests the potential for substantial and escalating costs associated with the impacts of climate change.
Currently, we are seeing extensive repercussions on the environment due to amplified emissions of greenhouse gases, which result in the retention of heat. These consequences include the reduction of glaciers, the elevation of sea levels, and the intensification of heat waves. According to the Third and Fourth National Climate Assessment Reports, the future effects of climate change in the United States include:
In the United States, one of the most destructive outcomes of climate change that we are currently witnessing is the escalation of extreme flooding, occurring both along the coastlines and inland. The increasing frequency of flooding impacts communities, businesses, and the well-being of individuals. Let's take a look at the interconnectedness between global climate change and the surge in flooding incidents within the United States.
The Cause of Increased Flooding in the U.S.
Within the Climate Science Special Report, a crucial component of the Fourth National Climate Assessment, a notable rise in flooding incidents across inland regions of America is documented. Simultaneously, occurrences of coastal flooding have doubled within a span of decades.
While the available data presents challenges in establishing a direct correlation between the surge in floods and climate change, the existing evidence does showcase how climate change amplifies the underlying factors contributing to flooding. Some of these influential factors include:
Heavier Precipitation?
Since 1901, data analysis reveals an average temperature surge of 1.8 degrees Fahrenheit in the United States. Experts in the field of climate change anticipate that this figure will escalate by several more degrees by the year 2100, underlining the alarming pace and extent of our nation's warming.
Due to the phenomenon of a warmer atmosphere having the capacity to retain more moisture, precipitation levels are on the rise. In the past decade alone, we have encountered a greater number of record-breaking rainfall events than at any other recorded period. If this trend persists, research indicates that heavy precipitation occurrences are projected to increase by 50% by the close of this century.
The consequences of intensified rainfall encompass:
Quicker Snowmelt
As temperatures rise, snowmelt accelerates. Since 1950, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has observed that rivers reliant on snowmelt have been reaching their peak flow earlier during the spring season. This premature surge overwhelms sewage and drainage systems, exacerbating the challenges faced.
Consequently, this phenomenon results in a dual impact of spring rainfall and melting snow, intensifying the risk of springtime flooding. Compounding the issue, winter and spring soils often remain frozen, impeding their ability to absorb the increased water volume. Particularly in the Northwest region of America, characterized by a higher ratio of rain to snow, the likelihood of spring floods is heightened due to these factors.
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Stronger Hurricanes
Over the past century, one of the most evident consequences of climate change has been the heightened occurrence and intensity of coastal storms, including hurricanes. Previously considered rare events, hurricanes of category 4 and 5 have become alarmingly frequent and are projected to further increase in frequency over the next 80 years.
The amplified strength of these storms poses a significant threat in the form of more potent storm surges, a leading cause of catastrophic flooding. Experts warn that by 2100, storm surges could occur up to 17 times more frequently in coastal regions of the United States. Additionally, hurricanes are anticipated to exhibit up to a 37 percent increase in moisture content near their center, resulting in torrential downpours accompanied by stronger winds. In recent decades, the country has witnessed the following lethal storms:
Rising Sea Levels
As a result of escalating ocean temperatures and the melting of glaciers and ice sheets, sea levels are undergoing a worldwide increase. Since 1900, the ocean levels have risen by approximately seven to eight inches. If this trajectory persists, projections from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) indicate that coastal regions, such as the U.S. East Coast, could potentially witness a staggering rise of up to 9.8 feet in ocean levels by the year 2100.
The consequences of this rising sea level are manifold and unavoidable. Coastal flooding, high-tide flooding, river flooding, and flash floods are expected outcomes as sea levels continue to elevate.
What You Can Do to Prepare
The first step is to recognize that climate change is not merely a future concern; it is today’s reality. While natural occurrences and weather events contribute to the occurrence of floods, human-driven factors also play a substantial role. The construction of impermeable surfaces such as roads, inadequate maintenance of structures, outdated management of waterways, and the expansion of residential areas onto floodplains are all significant contributors to the escalating incidence of flooding
Some of the most catastrophic consequences of flooding include:
Implementing flood mitigation measures can save your property and your life. Flood mitigation encompasses a range of practices aimed at reducing the likelihood of flooding and mitigating the potential damages associated with such events. Achieving effective flood mitigation includes the development of a comprehensive, long-term strategy devised by experts in relevant fields, including flood professionals, architects, engineers, and educators.
At Flood Risk America, we go beyond simply selling a product. Our experienced flood professionals work with you to execute Commercial Flood Protection and Residential Flood Protection , including:
There is an effective flood protection solution for every business and home. Contact us to learn more.?