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Philadelphia's rising waters

Oceanside residents are bracing themselves for another hurricane season. But it’s not just those next to oceans who must worry about flooding. As sea levels rise, cities along oceans and rivers alike are just beginning to address the threat of floods from stormwater surges and changing tides.

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Oceanside residents are bracing themselves for another hurricane season. But it’s not just those next to oceans who must worry about flooding. As sea levels rise, cities along oceans and rivers alike are just beginning to address the threat of floods from stormwater surges and changing tides.

In response to the devastating flooding in New York City during Hurricane Sandy, federal agencies launched a design competition to find feasible ways to build infrastructure that protects against rising sea levels. In June, several proposals — including an idea for 10 miles of protective area around Manhattan — won millions in funding. Some climate scientists argue that those sorts of ideas don't go far enough, even suggesting that the city construct canals similar to those of Venice to prevent street flooding.

What could happen in Philly?

There’s no way to know exactly when floods will occur and how extensive the damage will be, but climate scientists and researchers can assess flood risks. According to research non-profit Climate Central, cities and towns near oceans could experience dramatic flooding due to rising sea levels within this century. The organization estimates that Philadelphia has a one in six chance of waterways expanding a foot by 2020. Just one foot would affect 240 people in 129 homes in the city.

This GIF of an interactive map by Climate Central shows storm surges that could occur in Philadelphia throughout the next 100 years. 
 

How many people will flooding affect?

Last month, artist Eve Mosher, commissioned by the Chemical Heritage Foundation, rolled a baseball field chalk machine across Philadelphia neighborhoods, physically drawing out a 10-foot storm surge line and interacting with residents at risk along the way. In the event of a Delaware-river flood, anything east of the line would be under water. Climate Central estimated that 8,259 people in 3,145 homes are behind that line. The city could experience a flood of that caliber within the next 100 years. 

The estimates do not include businesses and infrastructure that lie within the 10-foot storm surge line. 

Has the city verified these risks?

TheMayor’s Office of Sustainability works with partners and external experts — including from Columbia University, the Consortium for Climate Risk in the Urban Northeast and the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission — as well as a hired climatologist consultant to determine flood risks and projected sea level rises.

How is the city responding?

The Philadelphia City Planning Commission’s (PCPC) 2035 plan includes consideration for flood risks and rising sea levels, including the creation and protection of more floodplains, wetlands and stormwater management to slow down floods. The PCPC also calls on agencies and developers to consider climate change in investments and building decisions.

The Mayor’s Office of Sustainability is leading a broader effort by informing city departments and agencies on their findings and projections. However, the office is still working on understanding risks and has not yet moved into the phase of recommending solutions or informing those residents in low-lying areas.

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