Climate change used to seem like something that would confront our grandchildrena distant concern.
Now, though, its staring us right in the face when we get up in the morning.
As our planet warms up, the climate-related changes across the U.S. are well underway.
A short video introduces the different parts of the website.
Santa Cruz Countyis one of the rare places that already has a detailed plan for the future.
Ask your city and county government if they have aLocal Hazard Mitigation Planlike this one.
Here we are focused on dealing with the consequences of climate change, sometimes called climate adaptation.
To find out, look up your area on Climate Centrals Surging Seas Risk Zone Map.
Older climate models predict 1 to 4 feet of sea level rise by 2100.
For now, we dont know for sure when that might happen.
For example, East Antarctics largest ice sheet is threatened by warm sea water slipping underneath it.
Its just a matter of moving up the schedule, she says, looking serious.
Go to your own address on theSurging Seas websiteand see what one meter of sea level rise looks like.
Think about the infrastructure you count on.
Will it be okay?
Have anemergency kitand anemergency planfor evacuating in case of a storm surge.
But think longer term, too.
You could put stilts under your house.
How can you deal with such Biblical flooding?
In the short term, evacuate if local authorities say to.
Longer term, have an escape plan.
Dont live in afloodplain.
But there is a difference.
Even with climate change, it might be 10 or 50 years before another flood occurs in that location.
Sea level rise not only doesnt recede, it will keep rising for the foreseeable future.
Hotter Summers
Government maps can help you estimatehow much hotteritll get where you live.
Plant trees around your house to provide shade.
Sealevery crack in your attic.
Insulate the attic and walls.
Seal all gaps around electrical outlets or pipes coming through the wall.
Weather strip your doors and replace leaky windows.
Use fans to pull in cooler air in at night.
Extreme Wind
Hurricanes are becoming more powerful and more common.
This is because warmer ocean water adds energy to tropical storms as they form.
Both kinds of extreme wind destroy buildings by ripping off roofs and hurling heavy objects through the air.
Most building codes were written for relatively mild winds.
you could build a house likethis onethat will withstand a category 5 hurricane.
As always, be prepared to evacuate to a safer place when hurricanes are headed for your house.
