Congressman Krishnamoorthi: “We Can No Longer Afford To Ignore Climate Change’s Role In Magnifying the Damage of Storms And Their Staggering Cost To Taxpayers”
“Experts Have Noted That The Flood Waters Of Hurricane Florence Could Be Half A Foot Higher Due To Rising Sea Levels Caused By Climate Change”
SCHAUMBURG, IL – Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi issued the following statement as FEMA fails to incorporate climate change impacts in its Risk MAP programs, flood maps, and other disaster planning systems:
"We can no longer afford to ignore climate change's role in magnifying the damage of storms and their staggering cost to taxpayers as we plan for future disasters. Experts have noted that the flood waters of Hurricane Florence could be half a foot higher due to rising sea levels caused by climate change while other research points to its capacity to amplify the power of the storms themselves. While our first responders and disaster management specialists continue the essential work of helping Americans enduring the devastation of Hurricane Florence, it's imperative that FEMA accepts the scientific consensus on climate change and incorporates its impact into projecting the potential damage of future storms.
As millions of Americans confront Hurricane Florence and its aftermath, Congress will soon likely vote on supplemental relief to help rebuild in the wake of the more than $18 billion in damage caused by the storm. The failure of FEMA and other federal agencies to properly account for the effect of climate change in preparing for hurricane season will only increase the enormous costs to taxpayers and families in the path of the next storm."