New York City, known as the place where dreams come true, is facing an imminent threat: the global warmingMeasures to stem this crisis are urgent and drastic. Unfortunately, the actions of the current administration, led by Donald Trump, have hampered an effective response to this problem.
A new scientific analysis using weather simulations reveals that the melting of Antarctica, along with the continued emission of greenhouse gases, could result in New York facing massive flooding never before seen. According to this model, it is estimated that by 2100, flooding in New York could exceed 5.18 meters, and by 2300, 15 meters.
This raises a frightening picture: By the end of this century, floodwaters could easily reach the rooftops of single-story homes, and by 2300, they would flood office buildings, so common in the city. Living in New York City during the rainy season in those years could be extremely dangerous, but there are still opportunities for prevention, if you act early. For a better understanding of how these situations are similar to those flooding elsewhere, it is important to draw parallels.
Richard B. Alley, from Pennsylvania State University, emphasizes that “human energy decisions will be crucial in determining the extent of sea level rise and, as a result, how much damage we face. Furthermore, accurate storm projections will help minimize risks.” However, it is essential that the government seriously consider taking the necessary measures, despite the resistance seen so far in climate efforts driven by the Paris Agreement, especially given that Spain is the European country most affected by global warming.
In a more recent context, the Flash floods that hit New York have set off alarms. For example, on September 29, 2023, the streets of Brooklyn and Manhattan turned into rivers, with unusual depths of water causing chaos. Bars, restaurants, and shops were flooded with up to XNUMX feet of water, while flights were canceled and the subway ceased operations. These events are similar to what has been observed in Other cities affected by torrential rains.
An attribution study conducted by ClimaMeter, A research project funded by the European Union and the French National Center for Scientific Research concluded that climate change has increased the intensity of these rains by 10 to 20%. Research suggests that in the future, torrential rain events on the East Coast of the United States will become more frequent and intense. Furthermore, models are being developed to predict how floods in New York will behave in the coming decades.
Erika Coppola, of the International Centre for Theoretical Physics, emphasizes that climate projections indicate that these phenomena will become more extreme due to global warming. It is crucial that citizens have access to clear information about climate alerts, especially those communities in vulnerable situations that lack internet access or timely information. To better understand these phenomena, it is useful to review the effects of global warming in different regions.
In addition to the increase in the frequency of rainfall, the climate change It also exacerbates the conditions facing New York City residents. Constant exposure to water and air pollution increases health vulnerability, making low-income communities the most affected. In boroughs like the Bronx, infrastructure and a lack of environmental justice have further complicated the situation. Therefore, it is crucial to invest in sustainable infrastructures that help mitigate these effects.
In an analysis that connects flooding to global warming, Klaus Jacob, a geophysicist at Columbia University's Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, explains that a warmer atmosphere retains more moisture and causes greater evaporation from the oceans. This dynamic is materialized in more intense storms that discharge large amounts of water in short periods of time, resulting in flash floods. This indicates that the phenomenon is part of a broader trend, which we have also observed, as in Storms in Spain have caused severe damage.
The city's aging infrastructure is not designed to handle the amount of water they currently experience. It is estimated to be able to handle a volume of water of up to five centimeters; however, when rainfall exceeds that, runoff has caused the sewage system overload. This results in the mixing of rain, commercial and industrial wastewater, and street runoff. In addition, cities at risk due to global warming are a critical issue that must be addressed.
Recent flooding has had devastating consequences. Previously, natural disasters like Hurricane Ida in 2021 killed more than 50 people in New York City, many of whom drowned in basements of illegal apartments when floodwaters overtook them. This event highlighted the need to better prepare for future incidents, especially in low-income communities that are often the most disadvantaged in these situations. It is imperative to learn from these events, considering what has been seen in recent years. devastating hurricanes like Katrina.
The combination of climate change, rising sea levels, and the subsidence of the city due to the sheer weight of its skyscrapers represents a triple threat. According to recent research, the cumulative weight of New York City's buildings is contributing to their subsidence, further increasing exposure to flooding. This phenomenon highlights the urgency of addressing climate change comprehensively, not only to protect the city but also to ensure a sustainable future for its residents.
The climate crisis is already altering the way of life in New York, and coordinated efforts are required to mitigate the impacts. Cities must invest in resilient and sustainable infrastructure, as well as effective early warning systems, to prepare populations for future climate risks. Urban planners and decision-makers should consider integrating sustainability measures that can reduce the vulnerability of the most affected neighborhoods and provide a safe haven for all citizens.
