What Next | Daily News and Analysis Was the Flash Flooding in Texas Preventable?
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Jul 9, 2025 Jeff Goodell, a renowned climate change writer and author of impactful books like The Heat Will Kill You First, dives into the heartbreaking consequences of the recent flash flooding in central Texas. He discusses how climate change has intensified such disasters and questions the effectiveness of current flood response strategies. The conversation also highlights the need for better community preparedness and infrastructure planning to combat increasing extreme weather risks. Goodell urges accountability from agencies like FEMA to protect vulnerable populations.
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Jeff Goodell's Flood Witness
- Jeff Goodell witnessed intense, nearly biblical flooding from his Austin porch on July 4th.
- This flood overwhelmed his area with water, running through streets and flooding homes.
Warmer Atmosphere Increases Rainfall
- A warmer atmosphere holds more water vapor, increasing rainfall intensity.
- Texas rainfall events carry 20% more water now than in the 1950s due to climate change.
Hill Country's Geology Fuels Floods
- Texas Hill Country's limestone and granite terrain lacks absorption, acting like a water slide.
- Rainwater funnels rapidly into narrow rivers causing intense flash floods like on the Guadalupe River.
