Slate News What Next | Was the Flash Flooding in Texas Preventable?
Jul 9, 2025
Jeff Goodell, a climate change writer and author of impactful books on environmental crises, dives into the catastrophic flooding in central Texas. He discusses the preventability of such disasters and the urgent need for modernized infrastructure in the face of climate change. Goodell emphasizes the connection between climate trends and increased rainfall, highlighting historical flooding issues and advocating for improved disaster response strategies. The conversation stresses accountability for warning systems and the necessity of adapting community safety measures to combat escalating climate risks.
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Personal Experience of Texas Flood
- Jeff Goodell described the 2023 Texas flood as a "biblical" event that caused widespread water flooding near his home.
- He personally witnessed water running into his house understory and flooding streets, marking the severity of the disaster.
Climate Amplifies Extremes
- A warmer atmosphere holds more water vapor, intensifying rainfall and storms, as confirmed by scientific studies.
- Texas rainfall now carries 20% more water than in the 1950s, amplifying flash floods and hurricanes.
Hill Country's Flood-Prone Terrain
- The Texas Hill Country's rocky terrain and minimal topsoil cause rainwater to rapidly funnel into rivers, creating flash floods.
- This geography acts like a water slide, causing intense flooding in narrow river channels such as the Guadalupe River.
