The Daily The California Floods
39 snips
Jan 12, 2023 
Christopher Flavelle, a climate reporter for The New York Times, sheds light on California's recent flooding crisis amidst its historic drought. He discusses how past water management practices have exacerbated current flooding and highlights the failure to adapt to 21st-century climate challenges. Flavelle advocates for innovative solutions, including reimagining land use for rivers and urgent strategic planning to tackle both drought and flooding. Listening in, you'll grasp the intricate dance between climate change and California's approach to water resource management.
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Widespread Flooding
- California is experiencing widespread flooding, impacting both the north and south.
- The death toll from these floods exceeds that of the last two wildfire seasons combined.
Climate Change and Flooding
- Intense rainfall from atmospheric rivers, worsened by climate change, is overwhelming California.
- Droughts, wildfires, and burn scars exacerbate the flooding by reducing vegetation and increasing runoff.
Systemic Vulnerability
- California's water management system, built over decades, has increased the state's vulnerability to flooding.
- This system, rather than mitigating the effects of extreme weather, has made the problem worse.