Podcast Summary
Chronic inundation: The steady ongoing creep of water into a community: Rising sea levels can lead to chronic inundation, affecting up to 100% of a community, deteriorating infrastructure, and potentially displacing residents. Communities must plan for adaptation to prevent costly repairs and displacement.
Climate change is causing higher sea levels, leading to a problem known as chronic inundation in various communities. This issue, which is essentially the steady ongoing creep of water into a community, primarily from high tides, can affect up to 100% of a community, with some areas already experiencing significant inundation. Even small amounts of inundation can deteriorate infrastructure and serve as a warning sign for communities, allowing them to plan their adaptation to the rising tides. Chronic inundation is becoming increasingly common, with many communities facing the threat of having roads and homes surrendered to the sea. This is a serious concern, as the effects of chronic inundation can lead to costly repairs and even the displacement of residents. It's important for communities to be aware of these areas and take action to mitigate the risks associated with chronic inundation.
170 US communities to experience chronic inundation in next 15 years: Approx. 170 US communities to face chronic inundation within 15 years, with 60% of Eastern Gulf Coast communities potentially affected by end of century under high emissions scenario
According to a study by the Union of Concerned Scientists, led by senior climate scientist Astrid Caldas, approximately 170 communities in the United States are expected to experience chronic inundation within the next 15 years. This number increases dramatically depending on the level of carbon emissions. Under a high emissions scenario, around 60% of all oceanfront communities on the Eastern Gulf Coast could be chronically inundated towards the end of the century, affecting about 670 communities. Amgen, a biotechnology company, continues to push the boundaries of human health, delivering new therapies while operating sustainably and drawing upon deep scientific knowledge. However, these advancements may be overshadowed by the impending impact of climate change, which could significantly affect the livability of many coastal communities.
Impact of Climate Change on Eastern Gulf Coast Communities: By mid-century, about 40% of Eastern Gulf Coast communities will face chronic inundation, leading to habitat loss, saltwater intrusion, and displacement. Inaction will worsen consequences, with significant differences between intermediate and high emission scenarios in the long-term.
If we don't act quickly to reduce emissions, by mid-century, about 40% of oceanfront communities on the Eastern Gulf Coast will be chronically inundated. This will lead to significant changes, including the loss of freshwater habitats, saltwater intrusion, and the displacement of wildlife and crops. Communities currently being affected include those in Florida, southern Louisiana (particularly the Houma tribe), and the Eastern Shore of Maryland. The consequences of inaction will only worsen as the century progresses. It's important to note that the near-term difference between intermediate and high emission scenarios isn't significant, but the long-term implications are vastly different. Working with these affected communities and witnessing the changes firsthand is a sobering experience.
Adapting to Rising Sea Levels: Building Defenses and Accommodating the Water: Cities are adapting to rising sea levels by building defenses and accommodating the water. However, some damage is inevitable, so reducing emissions is crucial to slow down sea level rise and minimize impact.
Cities are facing the challenge of adapting to the rising sea levels, and they are implementing various strategies to protect themselves. The first strategy is to build defenses against the water, such as walls, berms, natural defenses, and living shorelines. The second strategy is to accommodate the water by raising structures and infrastructure. However, there are places that cannot be protected or accommodated anymore due to frequent inundation. In such cases, it is crucial to recognize that some damage is inevitable and to focus on reducing emissions to slow down the rate of sea level rise. By acting soon, we can minimize the impact on our lives, but if we wait, more drastic changes may be required, potentially altering everyone's lifestyle significantly. Therefore, it is essential to start taking action now to mitigate the effects of rising sea levels.
Deciding Between Consuming Resources and Reducing Carbon Footprint: Senior climate scientist Astrid Caldas urges individuals to reduce their carbon footprint to help address the climate crisis, while also expressing concern about the pace of action.
Individuals and society as a whole are facing a crucial decision: continue to consume resources as we have been, or adapt to changing conditions and reduce our carbon footprint. Astrid Caldas, a senior climate scientist at the Union of Concerned Scientists, emphasizes the importance of this issue as it becomes more prominent in elections and public consciousness. However, she also expresses concern that we may not be acting fast enough. Caldas encourages individuals to take action by reducing their carbon footprint as a way to contribute to the solution. The NPR podcast "Shortwave" explores these issues and features interviews with experts like Caldas. The podcast is produced by Britt Hansen, edited by Viet Lettie, and fact-checked by Emily Vaughn. For more insights on investing and retirement, listen to "The Bid," a podcast by BlackRock, and subscribe for perspectives from their thought leaders.
