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 | Sep 28, 2016
Society of Landscape Architects releases guide to resilient design
The goal is to retrofit communities to better withstand extreme weather events.
Codes and Standards | Sep 26, 2016
Washington State Energy Code updates include dedicated outdoor air system requirements
The updates will change design approach to HVAC.
Codes and Standards | Sep 22, 2016
Construction firms pulling back from federal market due to new reporting rules
‘Subjective, very vague’ policies are said to create too much risk.
Codes and Standards | Sep 21, 2016
Airbnb presents legal liability for multifamily owners
How building owners can reduce risks.
Codes and Standards | Sep 21, 2016
Healthy buildings becoming a key design priority for both architects and building owners
Nationwide survey finds nearly three of four architects cite health impacts influencing design decisions
Data Centers | Sep 19, 2016
New ANSI/ASHRAE data center standard is performance-based, more flexible
The aim of the standard was to ‘not stifle innovation.’
Codes and Standards | Sep 16, 2016
Calm weather tidal flooding impacting several communities on East and Gulf Coasts
Local officials face the prospect of costly mitigation projects.
Codes and Standards | Sep 15, 2016
OSHA appoints new director for its construction directorate
The forty-year industry veteran has been a GC and business owner.
Energy | Sep 13, 2016
Oberlin College to hold conference on post-fossil fuel economy
The gathering will address climate change and new sources of energy.
Industry Research | Sep 12, 2016
Evidence linking classroom design to improved learning mounts
A study finds the impact can be as much as 25% per year.