How Federal Flood Maps Ignore the Risks Of Climate Change | Business of Disaster | FRONTLINE | PBS
MAY 26, 2016 / by SARAH CHILDRESS Senior Digital Reporter, FRONTLINE Enterprise Journalism Group • KATIE WORTH Tow Journalism Fellow, FRONTLINE/Columbia Journalism School Fellowships
Overwhelming scientific evidence shows climate change is leading to rising sea levels and more extreme storms. But you might not know it by looking at the federal government’s flood hazard maps.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency maps flood plains across the country. The maps are intended to show which areas are likely to flood so that local governments can better plan for disasters. They also determine who must buy flood insurance, and at what rates.The problem is, many of them aren’t up to date. And even the latest maps don’t take into account the anticipated effects of climate change, which will dramatically impact the potential for flooding.
