A new government report predicts sea levels in the U.S. of 10 to 12 inches higher by 2050, with some major cities on the East and Gulf coasts experiencing damaging floods even on sunny days.
The report issued by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and six other federal agencies warns of major consequences from rising seas in the next few decades. Parts of Louisiana and Texas are projected to see waters rise by a foot and a half.
Climate change will spur, on average, as much sea level rise in the next 30 years as in the previous century, the report says. The report “is the equivalent of NOAA sending a red flag up" about accelerating the rise in sea levels,” according to a University of Wisconsin-Madison geoscientist quoted in an Associated Press article.
Sea level rises more in some places than others with sinking land, currents, and water from ice melt impacting local areas. The U.S. will experience more sea level rise than the global average. The greatest impacts will be on the Gulf and East Coasts, with the West Coast and Hawaii seeing less than average rise.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Dec 8, 2016
WELL and BREEAM to align standards
The goal is to make it easier for projects pursuing both standards.
Codes and Standards | Dec 7, 2016
U.S. lumber industry pushes for import duties on Canadian softwood
The industry claims the product is being sold below fair market value.
Codes and Standards | Dec 5, 2016
International Construction Measurement Standards draft released
The goal is to improve consistency for calculating costs and reducing risk.
Codes and Standards | Dec 2, 2016
D.C. Council passes bill to reduce number of blighted properties
The new legislation reduces the amount of time a vacant property can qualify for a lower tax rate.
Codes and Standards | Dec 1, 2016
Passive House standard gaining influence in commercial sector
Some industry watchers predict it will become the base building code.
Codes and Standards | Nov 30, 2016
Researchers finding solutions to bird/building collisions
Glass facades pose a serious risk to birds and cause millions of avian deaths each year.
Codes and Standards | Nov 29, 2016
New OSHA rules to reduce fall and trip hazards
Employers can choose from a variety of fall protection systems.
Codes and Standards | Nov 29, 2016
Seattle imposes new construction regulation to address rat problem
The city ranks first in U.S. in rat population.
Codes and Standards | Nov 28, 2016
Construction groups sue New York City over crane safety regulation
The rule bans cranes from operating when wind exceeds 30 mph.
Codes and Standards | Nov 28, 2016
Marines plan first net zero energy military base
The Albany, Ga., site will have ground source heat pumps and a biomass generator.
