infrastructure
Newsletter
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Heavier flooding puts many small businesses at risk
The increasing frequency and severity of floods across the US are pushing small businesses to the brink, with many one disaster away from closure.
In short:
- Root Hill Cafe in Brooklyn faces frequent flood damage, losing about $3,500 in sales and employee pay for each day closed.
- Small businesses nationwide struggle with high flood insurance costs and insufficient coverage, as seen in Vermont's $300 million flood damage last summer.
- Experts urge infrastructure upgrades and better flood risk transparency to support small businesses.
Key quote:
“We are constantly checking the weather... If we see that there’s a hurricane in Florida, it’s like, oh my God, please let it not come here.”
— Alejandra Palma, co-owner of Root Hill Cafe
Why this matters:
Flooding threatens the survival of small businesses, which employ nearly half of US workers and contribute significantly to the economy. Communities are calling for greater support from both state and federal governments, emphasizing the need for improved flood defenses, better urban planning, and more accessible disaster relief funds. Advocates argue that proactive measures, such as investing in green infrastructure and restoring natural floodplains, could mitigate future risks.
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Outdated US rail system faces increasing delays from extreme weather
Amtrak’s aging infrastructure struggles to maintain operations as climate change causes more frequent extreme weather events, leading to record delays.
In short:
- Amtrak's passengers faced over 4,010 hours of weather-related delays in the 2023 fiscal year.
- Heat waves were the largest contributor, causing nearly 1,200 hours of delays due to track deformities.
- High temperatures also impact power systems, further disrupting rail services.
Key quote:
“Amtrak is beginning to see climate conditions impact on-time performance and is taking action.”
— Olivia Irvin, spokeswoman for Amtrak
Why this matters:
Increased train delays due to extreme weather highlight the urgent need for infrastructure modernization to adapt to climate change. Without significant investments, travel disruptions and safety risks will continue to escalate.
Be sure to read our related coverage:
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Hurricane Beryl highlights vulnerabilities in Houston's infrastructure
When Hurricane Beryl struck Houston, it revealed significant weaknesses in the city's ability to withstand even a mild hurricane, leaving millions without power.
In short:
- Hurricane Beryl, a category 1 storm, caused widespread power outages and flooding in Houston, highlighting the city's vulnerability.
- Experts warn that stronger storms could lead to catastrophic damage, similar to the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans.
- The storm raised concerns about the preparedness of Houston's infrastructure, particularly the power grid managed by CenterPoint Energy.
Key quote:
"A Cat 1 hurricane shouldn’t knock out your power system. I think you’ve got a problem with the power company, frankly."
— Kerry Emanuel, veteran hurricane researcher and professor emeritus at the Massachusetts Institute for Technology
Why this matters:
Houston's experience with Hurricane Beryl emphasizes the need to improve infrastructure to handle stronger storms. As climate change intensifies, such preparedness is vital to protect lives and property.
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Hurricane Beryl leaves millions of Texans without power amid soaring heat
Millions of Texans face a third day without power as Hurricane Beryl's aftermath coincides with dangerously high temperatures.
Pooja Salhotra, Emily Foxhall, and Alejandra Martinez report for The Texas Tribune.
In short:
- Nearly 3 million Texans lost power due to Hurricane Beryl, with restoration efforts expected to take several days.
- The heat index is projected to exceed 100 degrees in some areas, exacerbating health risks for those without air conditioning.
- Officials emphasize the urgency of restoring power but face criticism over preparedness and response efforts.
Key quote:
“The power system is a life-saving critical infrastructure — it’s the difference between life and death. The era of nobody could have foreseen these conditions is over.”
— Costa Samaras, a professor of civil and environmental engineering at Carnegie Mellon University
Why this matters:
The combination of extreme heat and prolonged power outages poses severe health risks, especially for vulnerable populations. During these intense heatwaves, air conditioning becomes not just a comfort but a necessity for survival. Yet, power outages strip away this vital lifeline, leaving people to endure sweltering conditions with little relief. Without cooling centers or sufficient emergency measures in place, the risks of heat stroke, dehydration, and other heat-related illnesses skyrocket.
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Bitcoin mining threatens Texas power grid stability
Granbury, Texas, residents and lawmakers express growing concerns over the impact of a local Bitcoin mine on noise pollution and the state's power grid reliability.
In short:
- Cheryl Shadden, a Granbury resident, suffers from severe noise pollution caused by a nearby 300-megawatt Bitcoin mining facility, leading to permanent hearing loss.
- Texas lawmakers warn that the increasing power demand from cryptocurrency mines could destabilize the state’s electrical grid, especially during peak usage times.
- The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) estimates that additional electricity demand from such facilities will significantly rise by 2027, potentially worsening grid stability.
Key quote:
"They’re going to put our grid at risk because of the power they’re drawing."
— José Menéndez, Texas State Senator
Why this matters:
Bitcoin mining is notoriously energy-intensive, and with Texas already experiencing grid vulnerabilities, many worry about the additional strain this digital gold rush is placing on an already fragile system. The energy consumption of Bitcoin mines isn't just a local issue; it's a global one, with substantial carbon footprints. As the world grapples with climate change, the demand for such energy-guzzling operations raises questions about sustainability and our commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
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Credit: Antonio López/Pixabay
Albuquerque's dam failure highlights water supply challenges
Albuquerque faces a water crisis as its key dam fails, impacting local farmers and city residents.
In short:
- The El Vado dam, vital for Albuquerque’s water supply, has been out of commission for three years due to structural issues.
- Without the dam, farmers and the city rely on finite groundwater, threatening sustainable water management.
- Repair efforts are stalled, and alternative water storage solutions are slow to develop.
Key quote:
“We need some sort of storage. If we don’t get a big monsoon this summer, if you don’t have a well, you won’t be able to water.”
— Mark Garcia, local farmer
Why this matters:
Aging infrastructure and climate change challenge water sustainability in the West. The dam's collapse could signal deeper issues within the region's water management infrastructure, potentially linked to climate change. With increasing temperatures and unpredictable weather patterns, the strain on existing water systems is becoming more evident.
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Texas to boost energy fund to $10 billion to expand power grid
In response to rising electricity demands, Texas will double its state fund for power grid expansion from $5 billion to $10 billion.
In short:
- Texas plans to expand the Texas Energy Fund to $10 billion, offering low-interest loans to build new gas-fueled power plants.
- The state’s grid operator predicts electricity demand will nearly double by 2030, prompting an immediate policy review.
- The fund will also provide bonuses and grants for plant connection, modernization and weatherization.
Key quote:
"[The numbers in the new forecast] call for an immediate review of all policies concerning the grid."
— Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick in a press release.
Why this matters:
The state's commitment to bolstering its power grid is a critical step towards ensuring reliable electricity for millions of residents. Recent years have highlighted the vulnerabilities in Texas's energy infrastructure, most notably during the devastating winter storm in 2021 that left millions without power in freezing temperatures. The expanded funding aims to prevent such crises by enhancing grid resilience and capacity.
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