Southern California, typically battling droughts and wildfires, now faces torrential rains and life-threatening floods.
Recent storms, intensified by an atmospheric river, have led to state emergencies, power outages, and widespread flooding affecting 94% of Californians.
Scientists warn of increasing frequency and intensity of such events, with climate change heightening the risk of a devastating megaflood in the state.
Key quote:
"I don't think that California has fully prepared to face the realities of these events."
— Daniel Swain, scientist at the National Centre for Atmospheric Research.
Why this matters:
These looming megafloods in California are a reminder of how climate change can drastically alter environments, posing significant risks to health and safety, especially in densely populated regions.
A 2022 study says climate change has already doubled the risk of a California megaflood. And an additional 1°C of global warming would double the odds again.
California already has one of the most variable climates and the swings between extremes will become more pronounced with unchecked climate change, say the authors of a new report.
