Climate change makes New Orleans vulnerable to flooding from tropical storms

July 25, 2019

In early July, The National Hurricane Center issued hurricane watches for coastal Louisiana, and extensive flooding was projected along the coast. Flooding in the wake of a tropical storm or hurricane is to be expected, but New Orleans is exceptionally prone to flooding, partly as a result of climate change.

Historic areas like the French Quarter, which dates back to the early 18th century, were originally built at only 10 feet above sea level. Scientists found that the ground in the area is sinking at a rate of up to 1 centimeter a year and New Orleans is now about 3 feet below mean sea level.

As climate change increases the rate of sea level rise, flooding in areas like New Orleans is expected intensify. Without corrective action, the city will eventually become uninhabitable.

Climate change makes New Orleans vulnerable to flooding from tropical storms

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