Today, Explained Too much water for California
Jan 12, 2023
Peter Gleick, co-founder and senior fellow at the Pacific Institute and a hydrology expert, joins to discuss California's climate vulnerabilities. He highlights the recent unexpected storms and their aftermath, urging for better flood management strategies. Gleick also reflects on California's historical megastorms, emphasizing lessons learned and the necessity for proactive policies. The conversation reveals the urgent need for community resilience and improved resource utilization in the face of increasing climate challenges.
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Historic Storm Surge
- California is experiencing a historic surge of Pacific storms, impacting the entire state.
- The storms, which began after Christmas, were unexpected just weeks prior.
Storm Casualties
- At least 17 people have died in California due to severe storms, and tens of thousands have evacuated.
- One incident involved a car with a mother and child being swept away; the mother survived, but the child was lost.
Worst-Case Scenario
- Current storms, though severe, are less extreme than worst-case atmospheric river scenarios.
- Researchers are trying to emphasize the need for substantial investment in preventative measures.