Sea Rise Threatens 5,500 US Hazmat Sites

Thousands of hazardous sites across the United States are at risk of coastal flooding by the turn of the century if pollution from fossil fuels continues unabated. Researchers have identified 5,500 sites storing or handling hazardous materials that could be inundated by 2100, with a significant portion facing this threat as early as 2050. This escalating climate crisis disproportionately endangers low-income communities and communities of color.

The study highlights that even with moderate reductions in planet-warming emissions, hundreds fewer sites would be at risk by 2100. This indicates a critical window of opportunity to mitigate the dangers and enhance resilience. The research, published in Nature Communications, utilized historical sea level data and future projections to assess flood risks for hazardous facilities near coastlines.

Exposure to floodwaters near these sites can lead to severe health impacts, including bacterial infections, chemical exposure, and potential long-term damage like cancer or organ damage. Experts emphasize the urgent need for significant investment in hazard mitigation and for federal, state, and local governments to integrate climate risk assessments into their resilience planning.