In this article we are going to list the 10 U.S. cities most vulnerable to climate change. For a detailed coverage of the impact of climate change and a more comprehensive list please head over to the 25 U.S. cities most vulnerable to climate change.
10. Hollywood, FL
Total Population in 100 year flood zones: 76,423
Population exposed in 100 year flood zones (in percentage terms): 49
Increase in population exposed in 100 year flood zones (in percentage terms): 11.4
Hollywood is experiencing sunny day flooding events, signifying the impact of climate change on the city.
9. Norfolk, VA
Total Population in 100 year flood zones: 66,418
Population exposed in 100 year flood zones (in percentage terms): 11.8
Increase in population exposed in 100 year flood zones (in percentage terms): 132.3
Norfolk’s waterfront properties have taken a hit due to rising sea levels as communities are forced to retreat from the coast to avoid being swallowed up by the sea.
8. Miami, FL
Total Population in 100 year flood zones: 153,879
Population exposed in 100 year flood zones (in percentage terms): 31.5
Increase in population exposed in 100 year flood zones (in percentage terms): 22.2
The sea level in Miami is expected to rise by 6 inches by 2030, while the sea level has already increased by a foot and a half since the 1900s alone.
Pixabay/Public domain
7. Coral Springs, FL
Total Population in 100 year flood zones: 119,475
Population exposed in 100 year flood zones (in percentage terms): 94.9
Increase in population exposed in 100 year flood zones (in percentage terms): 4
There is a 73% risk of a flood of over 3 feet taking place in Coral Springs before 2050, and the city needs to do more to save its inhabitants from becoming homeless or worse.
6. Miramar, FL
Total Population in 100 year flood zones: 99,863
Population exposed in 100 year flood zones (in percentage terms): 96.3
Increase in population exposed in 100 year flood zones (in percentage terms): 7.9
Miramar has pledged to reduced its CO2 emissions. Whether that will spell success or not for the city at risk of severe flooding, only time will tell.
5. Pembroke Pines, FL
Total Population in 100 year flood zones: 120,442
Population exposed in 100 year flood zones (in percentage terms): 97.3
Increase in population exposed in 100 year flood zones (in percentage terms): 3.7
There is a 98% risk of Pembroke Pines facing a flood of more than 3 feet from now to 2050, which spells danger for the city.
ian woolcock/Shutterstock.com
4. Charleston, SC
Total Population in 100 year flood zones: 82,547
Population exposed in 100 year flood zones (in percentage terms): 53.7
Increase in population exposed in 100 year flood zones (in percentage terms): 28.2
Charleston’s climate action plan was updated in 2020, and you can even track their progress on their website.
Nagel Photography/Shutterstock.com
3. Miami Gardens, FL
Total Population in 100 year flood zones: 72,396
Population exposed in 100 year flood zones (in percentage terms): 41.1
Increase in population exposed in 100 year flood zones (in percentage terms): 64.5
The city of Miami is quite prone to extreme weather evens including flooding, storm surge and hurricanes, and as such, is one of the most vulnerable cities to climate change in the U.S.
2. Fort Lauderdale, FL
Total Population in 100 year flood zones: 126,819
Population exposed in 100 year flood zones (in percentage terms): 76.6
Increase in population exposed in 100 year flood zones (in percentage terms): 49.4
Even though Florida is at the risk of drowning, condos are still being built in Fort Lauderdale which shows that the situation isn’t being taken as seriously as it should be.
Pixabay/Public Domain
1. Hialeah, FL
Total Population in 100 year flood zones: 204,047
Population exposed in 100 year flood zones (in percentage terms): 34
Increase in population exposed in 100 year flood zones (in percentage terms): 167.1
Topping the list of the 25 U.S. cities most vulnerable to climate change is Hialeah, where the increase in people being exposed to 100 year flood zones is extremely high, as are the total number of people exposed.
See also: 20 Best Countries To Live Considering Climate Change and 15 Countries With the Worst, Harshest Weather In The World
