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Toxic trajectories under future climate conditions.
Richard A Marcantonio1, Sean Field2, Patrick M Regan3
1The Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies and the Anthropology Department, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, United States of America.
Plos One
|December 24, 2019
Summary
Extreme weather events will increase toxic substance dispersion from contaminated sites in US cities. Future climate conditions significantly elevate the risk of toxin spread by 2041, impacting populations and demographics.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Urban Planning
- Climate Change Studies
Background:
- Extreme weather events are increasing due to climate change.
- These events impact the built environment and redistribute environmental risks.
- Toxic substances pose a significant threat when dispersed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the role of extreme weather events in distributing toxic substances in US cities.
- To explore the impact of projected flooding on toxin redistribution from contaminated sites.
- To assess how toxic flow patterns affect at-risk populations and their demographics.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the Urban Adaptation Assessment framework.
- Incorporated data on toxic site locations from US government sources.
- Evaluated toxin dispersion risk from flooding at the census tract level for 2021-2061.
Main Results:
- Projected inland and coastal flooding significantly impacts toxin redistribution.
- Future climate conditions are shown to increase the risk of toxin dispersion.
- The risk of toxin dispersion from contaminated sites is projected to rise by 2041.
Conclusions:
- Extreme weather events exacerbate the risk of toxic substance dispersion in urban areas.
- Climate change is a critical factor driving increased environmental hazards.
- Understanding these risks is crucial for urban adaptation and public health protection.
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