The Union of Concerned Scientists estimates that about 26 sites in Oregon could flood twice a year by 2050, including waste and water treatment plants, fire and police stations, electrical substations and industrial contamination sites. The nonprofit estimates that number could increase to 86 critical sites flooding twice annually by the end of the century. That鈥檚 assuming sea levels rise 3.2 feet by 2100.
The analysis maps critical infrastructure sites that are vulnerable to future flooding across the country. The East Coast appears to get hit the hardest. Some cities there, like Boston and Miami, are already , giving West Coast cities a glimpse into what the future may hold for them.
In Oregon, critical infrastructure appears most vulnerable around Astoria, Tillamook and Coos Bay.
Kristina Dahl, climate scientist at the Union of Concerned Scientists, said local governments should prepare now for a future when floods could inundate sewers, disrupt electrical power and destroy homes.
鈥淲e encourage communities to do a really detailed risk assessment,鈥� Dahl said. 鈥淥nce they know what鈥檚 at risk within the community, they can start to prioritize.鈥�
The report calls on policymakers to increase funding for coastal infrastructure, particularly in areas with lower-than-average incomes. It also encourages local governments to protect residents in subsidized housing that could be flooded by helping them relocate.
The global average sea level has been rising 3.3 millimeters 鈥� about one-eighth of an inch 鈥� every year since the 1990s, according to . Oceans are rising as a direct result of climate change, as warming temperatures melt glaciers.
Carbon dioxide emissions from burning fossil fuels are the . Those emissions reached record levels last year, which was also the .
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