mitigation
Newsletter
Cities struggle as storm prep burden shifts to citizens
Rapidly intensifying storms are forcing cities to adapt as residents increasingly shoulder the burden of disaster preparedness and evacuation planning.
In short:
- Cities have less time to order evacuations due to faster storm intensification, putting residents at risk of being trapped or facing unnecessary evacuations.
- Community groups and local organizations in New Orleans are stepping up to fill gaps in disaster preparedness with resource centers and solar panels.
- Climate change is reducing vertical wind shear, leading to more rapid storm intensification near coastlines, exacerbating the challenge.
Why this matters:
As climate change accelerates storm intensification, cities and residents must adapt quickly to new disaster preparedness challenges. Effective community collaboration and self-reliance become crucial in safeguarding lives and property.
Related EHN coverage:
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Texas identifies millions at risk in first statewide flood plan
In a stark reminder of the state's vulnerability to extreme weather, Texas' latest flood plan has unveiled that approximately one in six residents lives or works in areas prone to flooding.
In short:
- Over 5 million Texans are at risk of flooding, with nearly 1.3 million homes in flood-prone areas.
- The plan recommends over $49 billion for flood mitigation, focusing heavily on the "Ike Dike" coastal barrier.
- Recommendations include establishing a flood early warning system and a technical assistance program for rural communities.
Key quote:
"When the plan is approved, it's going to be a historic moment for Texas. This will be a really critical piece in understanding the topography and where you have higher and lower elevations in order to properly plan for which parts of the state are going to be subject to the risk."
— Sarah Kirkle, director of policy and legislative affairs for the Texas Water Conservation Association
Why this matters:
The new plan highlights the pressing challenges faced by Texans as climate change exacerbates the frequency and severity of floods. With nearly 17% of the population at risk, state officials are calling for robust measures, including improved drainage systems, the construction of protective barriers, and enhanced emergency response protocols. Health experts also raise concerns about the potential public health implications. Floodwaters can carry contaminants, leading to outbreaks of waterborne diseases. The stress and displacement caused by frequent flooding can also have long-term mental health effects on affected communities.
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Data gaps in US territories threaten climate resilience
Federal agencies often neglect to collect data in U.S. territories as comprehensively as they do for states, jeopardizing climate adaptation and mitigation efforts, a new GAO report reveals.
In short:
- The GAO report highlights significant data collection deficiencies in U.S. territories, including Puerto Rico, Guam, and American Samoa.
- Barriers include statutory exclusions, small sample sizes, high costs, and technical challenges like lack of postal services.
- The Biden administration is urged to address these data gaps, which are critical for assessing climate vulnerability and resource needs.
Key quote:
“If folks are serious about environmental justice, they need to be serious about addressing equity issues in U.S. territories.”
— Neil Weare, co-director of Right to Democracy
Why this matters:
Inadequate data collection hampers effective climate response and resource allocation in U.S. territories, which face severe climate impacts. Scientists and regulators find it challenging to make informed decisions without comprehensive data, while advocates struggle to raise awareness and push for changes that could mitigate the adverse effects of climate change. As a result, these territories remain caught in a cycle of vulnerability and inadequate preparedness, highlighting the urgent need for investment in advanced data collection and analysis systems.
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How the flood-prone site of Battleship North Carolina is adapting to a rising sea
The site of the Battleship North Carolina faces peril from a rising sea. Now those who run it want to surrender some of its land back to nature.
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Watch: NC officials launch Climate Action Corps to fight against climate change
North Carolina is launching a Climate Action Corps to work on projects to make the state more resilient to extreme weather.
Top Story
Photo by Carlos Bastias on Unsplash
Lessons from California on how to adapt to sea level rise
Rising water is forcing California and its coastal communities to completely rethink their viability, resilience, and even their resistance to change.
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Colorado Climate Corps a seed for Biden's American Climate Corps
The Colorado Climate Corps — sparked with $1.7 million from the state — deployed 633 AmeriCorps workers across Colorado to help communities mitigate the threat of wildfires, improve trails and upgrade homes with energy-efficient improvements.
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