The Complex Threat Of Sea Level Rise (w/ Pulitzer Prize-winning reporters Brady Dennis and Chris Mooney)
May 22, 2024
auto_awesome
Two Pulitzer Prize-winning reporters discuss sea level rise in America's southern coastal cities, highlighting flooding problems, adaptation challenges, and the impact on local communities. They delve into the financial obstacles of aging stormwater infrastructure, the risks of septic tanks in Florida, and the collaborative efforts of investigative journalism in uncovering climate-related stories. The podcast emphasizes the urgency of adapting to climate change and addressing disproportionate impacts on marginalized communities.
Outdated infrastructure in coastal cities poses challenges in adapting to sea level rise and flooding events.
Deep dives
Main Theme - Impact of Sea Level Rise on Coastal Cities
Sea level rise poses significant challenges to coastal cities, exacerbating existing issues and threatening lives, properties, and livelihoods. The combination of rising seas with intense storms leads to epic floods, highlighting the interplay between sea level rise and extreme weather events in creating complex and severe problems in these areas.
Investigative Series on Sea Level Rise and Inequities
The investigative series delves into the disproportionate impact of sea level rise on marginalized communities, revealing historic inequities and how these factors intensify the vulnerabilities in regions like Mobile, Alabama. Through in-depth reporting, the series uncovers the interconnectedness of inequities, infrastructure challenges, and environmental risks faced by residents.
Challenges with Outdated Infrastructure and Adaptation
Coastal cities like Mobile, Alabama, struggle with outdated infrastructure that fails to keep up with the impacts of sea level rise and frequent flooding events. The need for costly upgrades, such as raising roads, building sea walls, and implementing water pumps, highlights the complexities of adapting to the changing climate in a timely and effective manner.
Public Health Concerns and Contaminants from Flooding
Sea level rise and flooding events in areas with septic tanks raise public health concerns due to contamination risks and hazards from untreated wastewater entering waterways. The long-term impacts on water quality, groundwater pollution, and the potential spread of pathogens underscore the urgent need to address the risks posed by flooding and the deteriorating infrastructure.
Importance of Investigative Journalism in Climate Crisis Coverage
The collaborative effort and extensive research involved in the investigative series highlight the critical role of investigative journalism in uncovering climate-related challenges, such as sea level rise. Through fieldwork, data analysis, and engaging with experts and affected individuals, the series sheds light on pressing issues and the urgency of addressing the climate crisis at local and global levels.
This week, two Pultizer Prize-winning reporters join the show to discuss their new investigative series, “The Drowning South," and how the threat of sea level rise is causing a number of complex problems in America's southern coastal cities. The Washington Post's Chris Mooney, a reporter covering climate change, energy and the environment, and Brady Dennis, a reporter focusing on environmental policy, public health issues and climate impacts, explain why the American south is facing an unusual amount of problems with sea level rise, what's happening in the region compared to other parts of the country, and how flooding is causing a variety of issues testing local areas' ability to adapt.
The first three stories of “The Drowning South” series are available here:
As always, follow us @climatepod on Twitter and email us at theclimatepod@gmail.com. Our music is "Gotta Get Up" by The Passion Hifi, check out his music at thepassionhifi.com. Rate, review and subscribe to this podcast on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, and more! Subscribe to our YouTube channel! Join our Facebook group.
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode