data: FEMAChart: Jared Whalen / Axios
Some parts of the United States are safer from extreme weather events due to climate than others, but none are unaffected, especially as greenhouse gases continue to accumulate in the atmosphere.
Big picture: The map above shows the major disasters declared by the Federal Emergency Management Agency over the last two decades. This is a snapshot of everything from hurricanes and heavy storms to wildfires and droughts.
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Climate change, Scientist discoveredIs increasing the intensity (often frequency) of these types of events. This is especially true in the case of heavy rain, snow, heat waves and wildfires.
Important reason: Width is important. In some areas, there are well-known documented risks. Consider how the storm vulnerabilities along the Luiziana coast, or 18 of the 20 largest wildfires recorded in California, occurred. Occurs after 2000..
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However, many other regions, like this year, are experiencing their own extreme weather events. Deadly flash floods in Tennessee..
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This year also there was a dangerous strong wind event in the Midwest called Derecho, caused by a thunderstorm. Record drought Dry the west.
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Other indicators show similar risks and are common in populated areas, such as the record summer heat in cities on the Pacific Northwest.
What they are saying: “There is no place in the United States (or Earth) that is completely risk-free from the effects of climate change,” Lawrence C. Smith, a professor of environmental studies at Brown University, said in an email exchange.
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Yes, but: “”[T]Inland central and northeastern states along the Canadian border may experience some of these disadvantages that are less severe than the rest of the country, “Smith said.
What’s next: Limiting the future range of extreme weather risk requires global emission reductions to reduce global warming as much as possible.
Threat level: “As extreme heat continues to grow, we need to change our outdoor work,” said Michael Wener, an expert on how climate change affects extreme weather events at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. I told Axios by email.
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“It is still important for such outdoor workers to have access to cooling stations, water, etc. to avoid heat stroke and other illnesses,” he said, shifting working hours to avoid peaks. Added that will be more important during the heat wave.
Conclusion: Smith recently said he had purchased land in the Adirondack area of New York. “We are also looking at climate change,” mainly for personal enjoyment and forest conservation.
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