Climate Change's Role in Hurricane Sandy's Devastation Revealed
Hurricane Sandy, which ravaged the East Coast in 2012, was significantly exacerbated by human-induced climate change. A recent study by Climate Central, a nonprofit climate research organization, demonstrates that sea level rise since 1900 played a substantial role in the storm's impact.
The study, led by Kevin A. Reed, found that the last 20 centimeters of Sandy's storm surge would not have occurred without sea level rise, primarily due to climate change. This rise affected 11.4% more people and 11.6% more housing units than it would have without the increase. In New York City alone, sea level rise resulted in 24% more property damage.
Reed's analysis, to be submitted to peer review, estimates that climate change likely caused more than $2 billion in additional damages in the city. The study's conclusions are tentative and are being refined with new computer runs.
Climate Central's research emphasizes the tangible impact of climate change on extreme weather events. As sea levels continue to rise due to climate change, coastal communities face increased flooding risks and potential damages during storms like Hurricane Sandy.
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