Have you seen the news coming out of Minnesota? This week, raging floodwaters ripped through communities, leaving a path of destruction and displacing families. But this isn’t an isolated event. Similar scenes are playing out across the north-central U.S., with record-breaking rainfall causing devastating floods. These extreme weather events are a stark reminder of the growing threat posed by climate change. Heavy rains have caused major flooding across Minnesota and the north-central U.S., highlighting the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events linked to climate change.
Record Rainfall Triggers Flooding in Minnesota
The Blue Earth River in southern Minnesota saw its water flow triple in just three days after 11 to 18 inches of rain fell in a little over a week. The swollen river carved a new path around the Rapidan Dam, threatening to collapse the dam and a nearby store. Similar intense rains have caused flooding across the region, with major flooding on the Big and Little Sioux rivers, the Des Moines River, and the Minnesota River.
Climate Change Makes Rain Heavier
Experts say such events are becoming more common due to climate change. Warmer air holds more moisture, leading to storms that are often supercharged by the flow of moisture from warming oceans. This results in rain falling at intense rates, overwhelming rivers and streams.
Pressure Mounts for Climate Adaptation
As communities experience flooding more frequently, the pressure to prepare and adapt is growing. Two recent developments reflect this pressure:
- Vermont’s Climate Action Law: Vermont passed a groundbreaking climate action law in May, spurred by a devastating flood last July. The law, dubbed the “climate superfund act,” seeks to recover the costs of climate disasters by seeking payments from large fossil fuel companies.
- Federal Report on Rainfall Calculations: A federally commissioned report finds the government’s calculations for maximum potential rainfall are outdated due to climate change.
These developments highlight the growing recognition of the need to address climate change and its impact on extreme weather events.
Floods Underscore Urgency of Climate Action
The recent flooding events serve as a stark reminder of the urgency of climate action. As extreme weather events become more common and intense, communities must adapt and prepare for the challenges ahead. Vermont’s climate action law and the federal report on rainfall calculations are positive steps in the right direction.
The floods in Minnesota are a wake-up call. As extreme weather events become the norm, the need for adaptation and mitigation strategies is more critical than ever. From Vermont’s bold climate action law to the reevaluation of rainfall calculations, a shift is happening. We must continue to push for change, both on an individual and collective level, to build a more resilient future in the face of a rapidly changing climate.
