infrastructure
Newsletter
Climate change hastens the deterioration of US bridges
America's aging bridges are increasingly vulnerable as climate change intensifies extreme heat and flooding, causing them to weaken and fail prematurely.
In short:
- Many U.S. bridges, built before 1960, are deteriorating faster due to extreme heat and flooding linked to climate change.
- The Biden administration's infrastructure law provides funding for bridge repair, but experts say it's not enough to fully address the issue.
- Engineers warn that without climate-resilient designs, bridge failures could become more common and disrupt supply chains.
Key quote:
“We have a bridge crisis that is specifically tied to extreme weather events.”
— Paul Chinowsky, professor of civil engineering at the University of Colorado Boulder
Why this matters:
As climate change accelerates, infrastructure designed for milder conditions is increasingly at risk. Without significant investment in climate-resilient construction, the safety and efficiency of transportation networks could be severely compromised.
Related:
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Los Angeles adapts to heavy storms by becoming a 'sponge city'
A supercharged February storm brought record rainfall to Los Angeles, testing and validating new infrastructure designed to absorb water and prevent catastrophic flooding.
In short:
- Los Angeles received up to 10 inches of rain in one day, overwhelming typical city infrastructure.
- The city captured over 8 billion gallons of stormwater, thanks to retrofitting efforts aimed at making the landscape more absorbent.
- These measures help reduce flood risks and keep pollutants out of the ocean by absorbing water into the ground.
Why this matters:
As climate change intensifies storms, cities must adapt by integrating green infrastructure to manage water more effectively and mitigate flood risks.
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Newsletter
Politicians and businesses meet in Namibia to discuss hydrogen's role in green energy
African leaders and international investors are gathering in Namibia to explore hydrogen's potential in driving the continent’s green energy future, despite challenges related to cost and infrastructure.
In short:
- Namibia's three-day summit aims to attract investment in hydrogen, positioning it as a key player in Africa's green industrial revolution.
- Green hydrogen, though promising, remains costly and currently represents less than 1% of global production.
- Expanding renewable energy sources and infrastructure is crucial for hydrogen to become a viable fossil fuel alternative.
Why this matters:
Hydrogen could significantly reduce reliance on fossil fuels, but its high production costs and the need for new infrastructure pose significant challenges.
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Credit: Erik Mclean/Unsplash
Upper-income households capture most Biden energy tax credits
A significant portion of tax credits aimed at promoting energy efficiency under Biden’s administration is disproportionately benefiting wealthier households, leaving lower-income families with minimal support.
In short:
- The top 25% of households received 66% of the $5.5 billion in energy efficiency tax credits in 2023.
- Lower-income families, earning less than $25,000, received just $32 million, highlighting a significant disparity.
- Critics argue this imbalance undermines efforts to make climate policy more equitable and could hurt public support.
Key quote:
“These tax credits don’t increase the affordability for families making over $500,000. They can already afford it. And they get lower energy prices.”
— Mark Wolfe, executive director of the National Energy Assistance Directors Association
Why this matters:
The unequal distribution of tax credits could erode public confidence in climate policies designed to reduce carbon emissions, making it harder to achieve widespread support for future initiatives.
Related: Millions of households receive energy tax credits for upgrades
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Credit: Mohammed Ibrahim/Unsplash
Israeli actions in Gaza and the West Bank drive global increase in water-related violence
Israeli attacks on Palestinian water infrastructure in 2023 made up a quarter of global water-related violence, as conflicts over dwindling resources surged worldwide.
In short:
- Water-related violence globally increased by 50% in 2023, with nearly 350 documented conflicts.
- Israel's destruction of Palestinian water supplies was a significant contributor, particularly in Gaza and the West Bank.
- Latin America, the Caribbean and India also saw sharp rises in water conflicts due to drought and disputes over access.
Key quote:
“There was a massive uptick in violence over water in 2023, widely around the world, but especially in the Middle East.”
— Peter Gleick, co-founder of the Pacific Institute.
Why this matters:
As climate change exacerbates water scarcity, conflicts over access to water are becoming more frequent and severe, threatening the stability of already volatile regions. The ongoing violence endangers millions who rely on these critical resources for survival.
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Credit: Ant Rozetsky/Unsplash
Biden's funding helps modernize steel plant tied to JD Vance's family
The Biden administration's $500 million grant to upgrade a steel plant in JD Vance's hometown aims to reduce pollution but faces skepticism among locals.
In short:
- The grant will help the Cleveland-Cliffs plant in Middletown, Ohio, transition from coal to cleaner hydrogen and natural gas.
- Despite the investment, many residents are unaware of the grant or attribute it to figures like JD Vance or Trump.
- The plant's future is uncertain if Trump and Vance, who oppose Biden's climate policies, win in 2024.
Key quote:
“I haven’t heard anything about Trump continuing this project. I was thinking he’d probably cancel this project.”
— Gary Combs, a former Armco worker
Why this matters:
Transforming one of the dirtiest steel plants into one of the cleanest could serve as a model for the nation's industrial future, but political divisions may undermine these efforts.
Related EHN coverage:
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Newsletter
Credit: Braden Wagner/Unsplash
Heat is threatening the integrity of America’s infrastructure
As rising temperatures warp steel and strain power grids, the nation’s infrastructure is struggling to keep up with the demands of climate change.
In short:
- Heat expansion is causing rail lines, bridges and roads to warp and buckle, complicating transportation.
- Power grids are increasingly stressed, reducing electricity delivery while demand spikes during heat waves.
- Updating infrastructure to handle extreme heat is costly, and solutions may require significant public and political support.
Key quote:
"You can’t reengineer all of U.S. infrastructure as quickly as the climate is changing."
— Mikhail Chester, director of the Metis Center for Infrastructure and Sustainable Engineering at Arizona State University
Why this matters:
The rapid pace of climate change is outstripping the ability of existing infrastructure to adapt, posing risks to public safety and economic stability. Investing in resilient systems is crucial to mitigate these impacts and protect critical services.
Related:
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