Driven by a warming climate, hurricanes are predicted to become stronger and wetter. As an anticipated “above-normal” Atlantic hurricane season enters its usually busiest period, many U.S. communities are bracing for more frequent storms and associated damage. The science behind hurricanes and their impacts is growing. For example, one new study found that climate change was responsible for up to a 38% increase in rainfall during Hurricane Harvey and that as many as 30-50% of properties would not have experienced flooding from the hurricane in the absence of climate change. We are also getting a clearer picture of how extreme precipitation and flooding exacerbate existing inequalities, such as a greater occurrence of properties being located near chemical plants, a greater chance of being denied government disaster assistance and buy-outs, and a greater rate of not having flood insurance.
This webinar hosted by the Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment explored the science and linkages between climate change, hurricanes and extreme precipitation; the near and long-term impacts we should be preparing for; how governments at all levels can address the unique challenges confronting the most vulnerable and how we can build resilience that is broadly equitable.
Keynote Speaker
Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC)
U.S. Representative for South Carolina
Speakers
Chris Field, Perry L. McCarty Director, Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment
Jennifer Jurado, Chief Resilience Officer, Broward County, Fla.
Morgan O'Neill, Assistant Professor, Earth System Science, Stanford University
Elliott White, Jr., Assistant Professor, Earth System Science, Stanford University
