Climate Impact Report – 2/1
February 1, 2024
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14.5M
DeathsA new report found that climate change will cause 14.5 million additional deaths and spur $12.5 trillion in economic losses by 2050.
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20M
PeopleAs of Thursday, more than 20 million people are under flood alerts as storms threaten flash flooding in cities including Los Angeles, San Diego, Sacramento, San Francisco, San Jos, and Oakland, California.
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Maui
FireThe permanent Maui wildfire debris dump site was narrowed down to three locations.
Key Facts Of The Day 2/1
Storms and Flooding
- The first of two atmospheric rivers is unloading heavy snow at high elevations and gusty winds and soaking rainfall Thursday across a large part of California.
- As of Thursday, more than 20 million people are under flood alerts as storms threaten flash flooding in cities including Los Angeles, San Diego, Sacramento, San Francisco, San Jos, and Oakland.
- Rainfall of 1 to 4 inches is possible in the southern part of the state, falling at rates that could exceed 1 inch per hour.
- On Sunday, another atmospheric river – likely stronger – is poised to move across the region.
- A new study found that sea otters have helped save a California marshland from erosion after returning to the area.
Wildfires
- The permanent Maui wildfire debris dump site was narrowed down to three locations.
- According to the National Fire Protection Association, the majority of municipal fire departments in the U.S. are not prepared for wildland firefighting.
- Firefighters accustomed to fighting fires in buildings may need training in battling wildfires as they grow more common and extreme due to climate change.
Extreme Heat
- 15 cities participated in a national project through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to map where heat lingers in neighborhoods and determine the best ways to adapt to extreme heat.
- With the ongoing drought and water levels below normal in the Panama Canal, authorities are only allowing 24 ships to cross a day, down from 38.
- 5% of the world’s maritime trade and 40% of U.S. container traffic move through the Panama Canal.