Climate change threatens low-lying areas
“Underwater and overwhelmed — our new normal?” asks the first installment of Rising to the Challenge, a six-part climate series released by the Potomac Conservancy. The summer series explores how the climate crisis impacts the Potomac River and its communities.
The analysis warns that sea level rise in the Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay region is occurring at twice the global rate, and 1,300 acres of low-lying areas in Washington, D.C., will be permanently underwater in 10 years due to rising water levels and higher high tides.
“The warming atmosphere is making our region more susceptible to extreme rainfall and flooding, and, in turn, it’s contributing to an alarming increase in polluted runoff. If we don’t take drastic action at the local level to prepare our communities, we’re going to see the return of a polluted Potomac that is too unsafe for basic recreation and fishing. We can’t ignore the climate crisis and expect to achieve a healthy, safe river for our community to enjoy,” says Potomac Conservancy President Hedrick Belin.
Part one of the series and research report investigates global versus local climate trends. Other chapters in the series focus on public health and environmental justice, threats to wildlife, forests and agriculture, and climate solutions.
Demand for locally focused climate information and action steps is growing, say report authors. Read the full report and series at https://potomacclimatereport.org
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