Several factors linked to climate change are directly responsible for the increase in flood risks. Our planet’s steady temperature rise leads to rising sea levels, a result of melting polar ice caps and glaciers. This phenomenon alone significantly expands the risk of coastal flooding, threatening communities living near shores and deltas. Besides the slow and steady increase in sea levels, climate change also instigates more extreme weather events, such as heavy rainfall and stronger hurricanes, which increase the likelihood of both coastal and inland flooding.
Another critical element is the alteration in precipitation patterns. The shift can cause unusually heavy downpours in some areas, while other regions might face droughts. These unpredictable weather patterns challenge existing infrastructure’s ability to manage water effectively, leading to overwhelmed stormwater systems and flooding.