Short Wave When The Tides Keep Getting Higher
Mar 3, 2020
In this engaging discussion, Astrid Caldas, a senior climate scientist at the Union of Concerned Scientists, dives into the pressing issue of rising sea levels and their impact on coastal communities. She reveals how chronic inundation is already threatening areas like Miami Beach and underscores the urgent need for proactive urban planning. Caldas also highlights various strategies being implemented to combat flooding and calls for immediate action to reduce emissions, emphasizing both hope and urgency in the fight against climate change.
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Chronic Inundation
- Coastal communities face chronic inundation due to rising sea levels.
- This means water comes in with high tides and doesn't fully recede, causing persistent flooding.
Defining Chronic Inundation
- Chronic inundation is defined as at least 10% of a community's usable land being flooded at least 26 times per year.
- This flooding can range from inches to feet, impacting infrastructure and serving as a warning sign.
Projected Inundation
- Research reveals a surprising number of communities already experiencing chronic inundation.
- Projections show a dramatic increase in affected communities within 15 years, influenced by emission levels.