Coming Soon to a Low-Lying Coastal Area Near You: Disastrous Flooding

ScienceDaily reports on a new study by researchers from Princeton University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology which shows that what used to be considered a 'Storm of the Century' may soon become a 'Storm of the Decade.'

1 minute read

February 29, 2012, 9:00 AM PST

By Jonathan Nettler @nettsj


The report published in the journal Nature Climate Change predicts that due to the Earth's climate changes, "regions such as the New York City metropolitan area that currently experience a disastrous flood every century could instead become submerged every one or two decades." The study noted that increases in storm intensity were accompanied by increases in frequency, a double dose of bad news for coastal communities.

The research, which used New York City as a test case to model several storm scenarios, is said to be the first study to, "examine the future intensity of storm surges, [and] also to offer a tool for estimating an area's vulnerability," said co-author Michael Oppenheimer, the Albert G. Milbank Professor of Geosciences and International Affairs at Princeton.

"The physical damage and economic loss that result from storm surge can be devastating to individuals, businesses, infrastructure and communities. For current coastal community planning and design projects, it is essential that the effects of climate change be included in storm-surge predictions," noted Carol Friedland, an assistant professor of construction management and industrial engineering at Louisiana State University.

Thursday, February 23, 2012 in ScienceDaily

Large blank mall building with only two cars in large parking lot.

Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House

If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.

April 18, 2024 - Central Penn Business Journal

Street scene in Greenwich Village, New York City with people walking through busy intersection and new WTC tower in background.

Planning for Accessibility: Proximity is More Important than Mobility

Accessibility-based planning minimizes the distance that people must travel to reach desired services and activities. Measured this way, increased density can provide more total benefits than increased speeds.

April 14, 2024 - Todd Litman

Wood-frame two-story rowhouses under construction.

Fair Housing Cannot Take a Back Seat to ‘Build, Baby, Build’

If we overlook fair housing principles in the plan to build US housing back better, we risk ending up right back where we started.

April 11, 2024 - James Jennings

"No 710" lawn sign on green lawn.

LA Metro Board Approves New 710 Freeway Plan

The newest plan for the 710 corridor claims it will not displace any residents.

April 22 - Streetsblog LA

Close-up of row of electric cars plugged into chargers at outdoor station.

Austin’s Proposed EV Charging Rules Regulate Station Locations, Size

City planners say the new rules would ensure an efficient distribution of charging infrastructure across the city and prevent an overconcentration in residential areas.

April 22 - Austin Monitor

Green hills with orange California poppies in bloom in foreground in Chino Hills State Park, California.

Making California State Parks More Climate-Resilient

A recently released report offers recommendations for keeping state parks healthy and robust, including acquiring additional land for conservation and recreation.

April 22 - Spectrum News 1

News from HUD User

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Call for Speakers

Mpact Transit + Community

New Updates on PD&R Edge

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.