Climate Change & US Infrastructure: Risks Rise

Climate Change Threatens US Infrastructure: Bridges Melt, Airports Flood

The Nation’s infrastructure is facing an unprecedented crisis as climate change accelerates.From airports submerged in floodwaters to bridges buckling under extreme heat, the effects of a changing climate are becoming increasingly apparent across the United States.

Extreme Weather Events Strain Infrastructure

In 2023, fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport became a stark example of this reality when torrential rainfall transformed runways into rivers, disrupting operations and stranding countless passengers. Similarly,a New York city bridge over the Harlem river was rendered unusable when extreme heat caused its metal components to expand,jamming the bridge in an open position.

Every sector of U.S. infrastructure faces escalating risks due to these climate-related challenges. This was a key finding in the latest report card from the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), which trains engineers and influences building codes at all levels of government.

The ASCE gave U.S. infrastructure an overall grade of “C,” highlighting that climate-related vulnerabilities are widespread, even affecting regions previously considered resilient.

“We continue to see more extreme weather events, so our infrastructure, many times, was not designed for these types of activities,” said Tom Smith, Executive Director of ASCE. “Whether it’s ice, snow, drought, heat, obviously, hurricanes, tornadoes, we have to design for all of that and we have to anticipate not just where the puck is now, but where we think it’s going.”

Key Infrastructure Sectors at Risk

Sectors receiving the lowest grades include airports, power grids, and telecommunications networks. Risk modeling by First Street, a climate risk analytics firm, reveals alarming statistics: 19% of power infrastructure, 17% of telecommunications infrastructure, and 12% of airports face significant risks from floods, wind, or wildfires.

Much of America’s infrastructure was built decades ago, designed for a climate that no longer exists, directly impacting infrastructure investors.

Sarah Kapnick, former Chief Scientist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Governance (NOAA) and current Global Head of Climate Advisory at JPMorgan Chase,notes that her clients are increasingly concerned about the climate’s impact on their investments.

“How should I change and invest in my infrastructure? How should I think about differences in my infrastructure, my infrastructure construction? Should I be thinking about insurance, different types of insurance? How should I be accessing the capital markets to do this type of work?” Kapnick said, highlighting the pressing questions investors are grappling with.

The Path to Climate-Resilient Infrastructure

Both Kapnick and Smith emphasize that the key to making infrastructure climate-resilient lies in science.

“climate and science is something that we take very, very seriously, working with the science, connecting it with the engineering to protect the public health, safety and welfare,” said Smith.

However,investments in climate science faced setbacks when the previous administration cut funding and reduced staff at key agencies like NOAA,FEMA,and the National Institute of Standards and Technology.

Addressing these challenges requires significant funding. The ASCE estimates a $3.7 trillion investment gap over the next 10 years to bring U.S. infrastructure to a state of good repair.

Further complicating matters, past budget cuts included the cancellation of FEMA’s nearly $1 billion Building Resilient Infrastructure and communities program, designed to mitigate damage from future natural disasters.

Did You Know?

The World Meteorological Organization states that climate information is crucial for monitoring the success of greenhouse gas emission reduction efforts.

Comparing Climate Change Impacts on Infrastructure

Infrastructure Type	Climate Impact	example
Airports	Flooding, extreme heat	Fort Lauderdale Airport runways turned into rivers
Bridges	Extreme heat	New York City bridge jammed due to metal expansion
Power Grids	Wildfires, floods	Power outages due to damaged infrastructure
Telecommunications	Extreme weather	Dialogue disruptions during storms

Building a Sustainable Future

Creating climate-resilient infrastructure involves several key strategies. These include integrating climate projections into infrastructure planning,using innovative materials that can withstand extreme conditions,and implementing nature-based solutions such as restoring wetlands to absorb floodwaters.

Moreover, investing in renewable energy sources and improving energy efficiency can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, mitigating the long-term impacts of climate change on infrastructure.

Pro Tip

Prioritize infrastructure projects that offer multiple benefits, such as reducing flood risk, improving water quality, and enhancing recreational opportunities.

Frequently asked Questions About Climate Change and Infrastructure

• How is climate change impacting US infrastructure?

  Climate change is causing extreme weather events like floods, heatwaves, and wildfires, which are damaging airports, bridges, power grids, and telecommunications systems. These events can lead to disruptions in services and pose safety risks.

• Which sectors of US infrastructure are most at risk from climate change?

  Airports, power infrastructure, and telecommunications infrastructure are among the most vulnerable sectors. These systems face significant risks from flooding, wind damage, and wildfires.

• What is the estimated cost to improve US infrastructure to a good state?

  The American Society of Civil Engineers estimates a $3.7 trillion spending gap over the next 10 years to bring U.S. infrastructure to a state of good repair and climate resilience.

• How can infrastructure be made more climate-resilient?

  Making infrastructure climate-resilient involves incorporating climate science into design and construction, using advanced materials, and implementing strategies to mitigate the impacts of extreme weather events.

• What role does climate risk analysis play in infrastructure investment?

  Climate risk analysis helps investors understand the potential climate-related impacts on their infrastructure investments, allowing them to make informed decisions about adaptation and resilience measures.

• Are current building codes sufficient to address climate change risks?

  Many existing building codes do not adequately account for the increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events caused by climate change. Updates are needed to ensure new construction is resilient to future climate conditions.

• What is the World Meteorological Organization’s role in addressing climate change?

  The World meteorological Organization provides essential climate information for monitoring mitigation efforts, promoting energy efficiency, and supporting the transition to a carbon-neutral economy, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals.

What steps do you think should be taken to address the challenges of climate change on our nation’s infrastructure? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

How can communities better prepare for extreme weather events to protect their infrastructure and residents?

Here are two Public Awareness Assessment (PAA) related questions for the provided text, each on a new line:

Climate Change & US Infrastructure: Rising risks

The United States is facing a growing challenge: the increasing vulnerability of its critical infrastructure to the impacts of climate change. From extreme weather events to gradual changes in environmental conditions, the threats are diverse and far-reaching. Understanding these risks and implementing effective adaptation strategies is crucial for safeguarding essential services and ensuring the long-term health and resilience of our communities. This article delves into the specifics of these threats,exploring the different types of infrastructure at risk and highlighting the need for proactive measures.

Understanding the Scope of the Threat: Climate Change Impacts

Climate change’s effects are no longer a future prediction, but a present reality. The intensification of extreme weather events, sea-level rise, and changes in temperature and precipitation patterns are already impacting US infrastructure in significant ways. This includes impacts on physical infrastructure, ecological systems, and even institutional structures.

• Extreme Weather: More frequent and intense hurricanes (hurricanes, cyclones), floods, wildfires, and droughts are increasingly damaging infrastructure.
• Sea Level Rise: Coastal infrastructure, including ports, roads, and energy facilities, faces increasing risk from inundation and erosion.
• Temperature and Precipitation Changes: Altered temperature and precipitation patterns affect everything from water resources to transportation networks.

The Four Pillars of Vulnerable Infrastructure

According to research and literature, critical infrastructure can be categorized into four key areas, each facing unique challenges from climate change:

• Physical Infrastructure: This encompasses systems like transportation networks (roads, bridges, rail), energy grids, water and wastewater treatment plants, and dialog systems.
• ecological Infrastructure: Natural systems (wetlands, forests, and coastal ecosystems) that provide critical services and can be damaged by climate change.
• Institutional Infrastructure: The organizational and regulatory frameworks, policies, and governance structures that affect resilience efforts.

Specific Infrastructure at Risk

Various types of US infrastructure are especially exposed to the effects of climate change. here are examples and types:

Transportation Networks

Roads, bridges, and railways are vulnerable to flooding, landslides, and extreme heat. Coastal areas are especially susceptible to sea-level rise and storm surges.

Energy Systems: The increasing Strain

Power plants, transmission lines, and distribution networks are vulnerable to disruption from extreme weather. Heatwaves reduce the efficiency of energy production and increase demand.

Case Study: Hurricane Katrina (2005)

This devastating hurricane caused extensive damage to the energy infrastructure in the Gulf Coast region, highlighting the high cost of not preparing for climate events.

Water Resources

Changes in precipitation patterns,increased drought,and more intense storms all affect water availability and quality. Dams and reservoirs are particularly vulnerable.

Communication Networks

Communication infrastructure, including cell towers and internet cables, is susceptible to damage from extreme weather events. This can disrupt emergency services and critical communications.

building Infrastructure Resilience: Strategies and Solutions

Addressing the climate change threat to US infrastructure requires a comprehensive and multifaceted approach. Adaptation strategies are evolving, but can be implemented in the following ways:

• Risk Assessments: Conducting thorough risk assessments of vulnerable infrastructure assets; evaluating potential exposure to climate hazards.
• Improved design and Construction: Implementing climate-resilient design standards for new infrastructure and retrofitting existing assets.
• Nature-Based Solutions: Utilizing natural systems, such as wetlands and green infrastructure, to protect assets and reduce risks.
• Early Warning Systems: Investing in early warning systems to provide timely alerts for extreme weather events.
• Policy and Funding: Developing clear policy frameworks and securing sufficient funding to support infrastructure resilience projects.

Steps for the Future

To maximize resilience, proactive measures must be adopted.

Strategy	Description	Benefits
Climate-Resilient Design	Incorporate climate projections into the design of new and existing infrastructure.	Increases the lifespan of infrastructure and reduces the risk of damage.
Nature-Based Solutions	Use natural ecosystems (e.g., wetlands, green spaces) to reduce flood risk and provide protective barriers.	Cost-effective, and aids in ecosystem restoration.
Data and Planning	Improve data collection, monitoring, and planning at the local level.	Allows informed investment decisions for the advancement of future infrastructure.

Taking Action Now

The challenges are significant, but so are the opportunities. By understanding the risks, planning strategically, and investing in climate-resilient infrastructure, the US can protect essential services, safeguard communities, and build a more sustainable future.