The Pantex Plant in Texas faced near-catastrophic wildfires, highlighting the vulnerability of facilities storing nuclear materials.
Extreme weather events, fueled by climate change, pose increasing risks to dozens of sites across the U.S., potentially disrupting critical energy and defense operations.
The Department of Energy now requires existing sites to assess climate risks, but new site permits often overlook future climate projections.
Key quote:
“I think it’s too early to assume that we’ve got all the worst-case scenarios resolved ... (because) what might have been safe 25 years ago probably is no longer safe.”
— Paul Walker, program director, Green Cross International.
In a massive overhaul of urban development planning, the Ontario government looks to take power away from the agencies that help prevent flooding — again.
Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault is not discounting the idea of encouraging communities to move preventatively in the wake of increasing climate-change related disasters.
After deadly flash flooding devastated villages in Germany's Ahr Valley, many residents are hoping to return. But experts say there needs to be a fundamental change in how we build in areas at risk of floods.
Canadians are unknowingly buying and building homes and other infrastructure in areas at high risk of flooding, wildfires and other climate change impacts.
Mapping of informal settlements is key to protecting residents from worsening climate change impacts with as little disruption as possible, urban experts say.
