CLIMATE IMPACTS

VISION

Climate Impacts

CLIMATE CHANGE IN NORTH AMERICA

Climate change is characterized by long-term changes in temperature and weather patterns. These changes can be natural or man-made. But since the 19th century, climate change has been largely driven by human activity. (United Nations)

Rising temperatures are only the beginning of climate change. There are many other serious consequences of climate change, including droughts, water shortages, fires, rising sea levels, floods, melting polar ice, catastrophic storms and loss of biodiversity. (United Nations) The map below shows a combination of climate risk data and projected population in 2040. The resulting score reflects the degree of exposure to climate risk in each part of the United States. (Four Twenty Seven)

It is worth noting that Detroit has higher scores in flooding and heat stress, which means that these two could be major climate hazards in the city’s future. In fact, both problems are exposed now.

None (0) Very low (1) Low (2) Medium (3) High (4) Red flag (5)

Wildfires Floods

Heat Stress Water Stress

Detroit Score: 11 Wildfires Floods Heat Stress Water Stress 2 3 4 2

CLIMATE CHANGE IN DETROIT

Heat Stress

By mid-century (2041-2070), average annual temperatures in Detroit are projected to rise 4.1°F to 4.4°F compared with the 1971-2000 period. (“Projected Mid-Century Temperature Changes in the Midwest”)

The Detroit metropolitan area, which averaged only 1.3 days above 95°F over the past 30 years, increased to 3 to 7 days over the next five to 25 years. By the middle of the century it will be 5-16 days. 15 to 67 days of extreme heat are likely by the end of the century. (“Heat in the Heartland: Climate Change and Economic Risk in the Midwest”)

Rising Temperatures

Temperature Difference (°F)

3.5 3.8 4.1 4.4 4.7 5.0

Difference in Number of Extreme Hot Days (> 95°F)

Difference in Number of Days

0 5 10 15 20 25 Flood Risk

Flood Factor reports that “There are 22,959 properties in Detroit that have greater than a 26% chance of being severely affected by flooding over the next 30 years.” This breaks down to about 6% of all properties in Detroit. (“Detroit, Michigan.” )

Flooding can cause property damage, as well as cut off utility lines and access to emergency and transportation services. These consequences are known to affect the overall economic wellbeing of an area. (“Detroit, Michigan.” )

Flood Risk In 30 Years

Approximately 42.7k properties have a 0.2% chance of water reaching their buildings.

Aoorix. 5,824 properties have a 5% chance of water reaching their buildings.