According to data from a new study, eight cities on the East Coast of the USA are at high or very high risk of extreme flooding, with New York and New Orleans facing the greatest danger.
According to a study by scientists from the University of Alabama published in the journal Science Advances, eight cities on the East Coast of the USA are at high or very high risk of extreme flooding, with New York and New Orleans facing the greatest danger. In New York, about 4.4 million residents (50% of the population) and 47% of buildings are in areas at increased risk of severe damage, while in New Orleans, these figures reach 98% of the population (approximately 375,000 people) and 99% of infrastructure.
The report also mentions Houston, Miami, Norfolk (Virginia), Charleston (South Carolina), Jacksonville (Florida), and Mobile (Alabama). The heightened threat is attributed to low elevation above sea level, high population density, poor drainage systems, and proximity to water.
By 2050, a sea level rise of 0.3 meters along the US coast and an increase in flooding after hurricanes due to climate change is projected.
The study shows that the largest coastal cities in the USA are becoming increasingly vulnerable to climate risks, as reported by bb.lv. Rising sea levels and intensified storms could lead to significant consequences in the coming decades, making infrastructure protection and climate change adaptation critically important tasks.
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