In 2017, 350 people died from wildfires, floods, cyclones, and other extreme weather events in the U.S.
The government needs to do more to protect Americans from these events, which are becoming more deadly due to climate change, experts say. Weather disasters are also becoming increasingly costly.
Hurricanes Harvey, Maria, and Irma, along with wildfires and other weather disasters cost the nation a record $306 billion in 2017, which was the third warmest year on record. Government action to shore up infrastructure, homes, and businesses is critical because damaging weather events are becoming more frequent, says a professor at the University of Alaska's Institute of Arctic Biology.
Harbors, bridges, power plants, and other key infrastructure in vulnerable states, such as California, Alaska and Texas, need better protection from extreme weather. Roads, sewer systems, and train routes across the country are also likely to suffer as the climate changes.
Related Stories
| Sep 29, 2011
Illinois Grapples With Definition of āCleanā Construction Debris
The Illinois Pollution Control Board holds hearings this week about construction debris rules proposed by the state Environmental Protection Agency.Ā
| Sep 15, 2011
Alabama Prepares First Statewide Residential Building Code
Following a series of devastating tornadoes that ripped through Alabama on April 27th, the state is preparing to implement the first statewide building code for residential structures.Ā Ā
| Sep 15, 2011
New Label Established For Energy Efficient Doors in UK
The British Fenestration Ratings Council (BFRC) has established a labelling program for all types of domestic pedestrian doors.Ā
| Sep 15, 2011
EPA Releases New High-Rise Residential Energy Star Rating
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently announced an Energy Star rating for multi-family high-rise buildings.Ā
| Sep 15, 2011
Bill Seeks To Spur Stronger Building Codes Nationwide
The Safe Building Code Incentive Act of 2011 would provide strong financial incentives for states to adopt and enforce strong building codes.Ā Ā
| Sep 15, 2011
New Federal Law Limits Amount of Formaldehyde in Wood
President Obama signed into law legislation that limits the amount of formaldehyde in wood. The new measure will impact particle board and other composite wood productsĀ .
| Sep 12, 2011
Living Buildings: Are AEC Firms up to the Challenge?
Modular Architecture > Youāve done a LEED Gold or two, maybe even a LEED Platinum. But are you and your firm ready to take on the Living Building Challenge? Think twice before you say yes.
| Sep 8, 2011
OSHA issues alert on incorrectly rebuilt circuit breakers
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued a hazard alert, warning workers and employers of certain Eaton/Cutler-Hammer molded-case circuit breakers that were incorrectly rebuilt.Ā
| Sep 8, 2011
USGBC Streamlines LEED EB: O&M
The Council has reorganized the prerequisite and credit structure of LEED EB: O&M.Ā
| Sep 8, 2011
USGBC: 30 Legislative āWins For Green Buildingā So Far In 2011
A mid-year report by the U.S. Green Building Council says that there have been ā30 legislative wins for green buildingā across 22 states in 2011.Ā