Sea Level Rise Amplifies Hurricane Sandy's Damage in NYC
Sea level rise over the 20th century significantly amplified the damage caused by Hurricane Sandy in New York City. Climate Central, a research organization, calculated that this rise led to over $2 billion in additional damage and affected more people and properties.
Climate Central's study, presented at the American Geophysical Union's 2014 Fall Meeting, revealed that without sea level rise, 11.4% fewer people and 11.6% fewer housing units would have been affected by Sandy's storm surge. The total property damage would have been 24% less. This increase in damage and affected areas is attributed to the higher coastal flooding risk due to sea level rise combined with storm surges.
The organization, staffed by scientists and journalists, used modeling programs and data from various sources, including the University of North Carolina and New York City's Office of Emergency Management, to calculate these impacts. They aim to bridge the gap between scientific understanding of climate change and public awareness of the issue.
Climate Central's study underscores the real-world impacts of sea level rise, with Hurricane Sandy serving as a stark example. The organization's work, funded by major foundations like Kresge and Rockefeller, highlights the need for public awareness and action on climate change to mitigate future risks.
