As the effects of global warming intensify, floods have become a frequent occurrence in many parts of the world. With the level of carbon emissions continuing to rise, the rise of temperatures, melting ice sheets and sea level rise all contribute to more frequent and damaging floods. This article will explain the underlying causes of flooding related to global warming and analyse how these changes are impacting communities and vulnerable populations in particular.
Flooding is generally caused by one of two events: either sudden, heavy rainfall which overwhelms an area or a rapid rise in the water level of a nearby river or coastal area, caused by a variety of factors. In relation to global warming, flooding can be caused by two main factors. Firstly, higher temperatures can lead to increased evaporation and precipitation, increasing the likelihood of sudden and heavy rains. Secondly, rising sea levels, caused either by melting ice sheets or thermal expansion of water due to climate change, can cause coastal flooding.
The effects of this kind of flooding are far-reaching and often catastrophic. Low-lying coastal communities are particularly at risk due to their vulnerability to flooding from sea level rise combined with the power of storms. The cost of damage to property and infrastructure is usually huge, and the social and economic disruption caused by flooding can be hard to recover from. Flooding can also lead to displacement of communities, and can have a devastating impact on large-scale farming, fishing and tourism industries.
In fact, some cases of flooding are becoming so severe and frequent in some regions that communities are moving further away from low-lying areas to escape the risk. In Bangladesh, the affected area of flooding increased by 30% between 1996 and 2005, due to rising sea levels, and in some of the poorest parts of the world, extreme flooding is becoming a way of life. In addition, the spread of vectors of infectious diseases is exacerbated by flooding, with the resulting water-borne diseases causing havoc in affected areas.
However, while it is easy to blame global warming as the main cause of flooding, the underlying problem is much more complex, and the underlying causes of flooding must be taken into account in order to make sure that steps are taken to mitigate the worst effects of flooding. For example, in many parts of the world, deforestation has created huge areas of low vegetation and compacted ground which do not absorb rainfall as well as forests. Furthermore, urbanisation and development can also increase the risk of flooding, as roads and buildings replace land which use to soak up surface water. In short, in order to protect communities and businesses from the risk of flooding, a more holistic and integrated approach to management of natural resources is essential.
In conclusion, global warming has undeniably played a role in increasing the risk of floods, but in order to reduce the damage caused by floods, it is essential to address the underlying causes of flooding. Flood risk management and the protection of vulnerable communities must be taken into account when considering any kind of development. In addition, the world’s forestry resources and wetlands must be better protected in order to mitigate flooding and reduce the risk of flooding-related damage
