Study: US Flood Losses Will rise 26% By 2050 Even If It Hits COP 26 Climate Targets
Climate change will cause the nation’s flooding losses to jump more than 26 percent over the next three decades, with disadvantaged communities shouldering an outsize share of the economic burden, a study published Monday predicted. Researchers at the University of Bristol in Britain used data from flood insurance claims, building records, the census and other sources to forecast how a warming planet will affect flooding patterns across the United States, and pinpoint which communities might see the most change.
The study, published in the journal Nature Climate Change, estimates that the annual cost of flooding in the United States will increase 26.4 percent — from $32.1 billion to $40.6 billion — by 2050. But the forecast assumes nations will reduce planet-warming emissions roughly in line with the targets agreed upon at the recent COP26 climate summit. If those targets aren’t met, the costs could be even greater.
It’s the latest scientific research to show the myriad ways in which rising temperatures associated with climate change could reshape society, destroy homes and infrastructure, and endanger lives. A 2021 study from German researchers predicts that the occurrence and intensity of extreme flood events will grow as global temperatures rise. A U.N. study last year warned of “profound consequences” for people and nature alike if the crisis is not brought under control.
The new study also is in line with other research to suggest underrepresented groups will disproportionately feel the effects of climate change. The Environmental Protection Agency has said members of minority groups will incur more deaths from extreme heat as well as more flooding-related property losses.
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https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2022/01/31/climate-change-flooding-united-states/
