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
Codes and Standards | Jun 2, 2021
Dept. of Energy releases EnergyPlus and OpenStudio updates
New features include Python Plugin features and additional tabular reporting options.
Codes and Standards | Jun 1, 2021
Federal plan to double Canadian lumber tariffs draws intense criticism
Builders advised to stock up to deal with shortages.
Codes and Standards | Jun 1, 2021
Passive House standards proving their worth in multifamily sector
Energy performance beats conventionally built by 32% to 58%.
Codes and Standards | May 27, 2021
Pittsburgh combats construction fraud
Crackdown on tax, insurance, and workers’ comp malfeasance.
Codes and Standards | May 26, 2021
Proposal to add photovoltaic panels to the R2 Standard for electronics recycling
Hundreds of facilities in 33 countries could begin recycling PVs.
Codes and Standards | May 25, 2021
International Energy Agency lays out roadmap to net zero
Focus is on energy generation, but building efficiency also plays a role.
Codes and Standards | May 24, 2021
Biden Administration will make new investments in building energy efficiency
Focus on grid-interactive buildings; Energy Star expansion; new targets for energy, water reduction.
Codes and Standards | May 20, 2021
Solar panel trade group issues guidelines to rid use of components built with forced labor
Growing concern that PV industry is dependent on work camps in China.
Codes and Standards | May 19, 2021
Smart electric panels can aid transition to renewable energy
Allow customers better control of circuits; utilities can better manage demand.
Codes and Standards | May 18, 2021
Cross-laminated timber performs better than expected in shear test
Tests conducted in support of new criteria for design of CLT diaphragm.