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Clearwater’s proactive approach to understanding and mitigating the impacts of climate change comes to light. The city is currently engaged in a vulnerability assessment, made possible by funding from the State of Florida’s Resilient Florida Grant Program. Led by AtkinsRalis, this assessment involves the creation of a “digital twin” of Clearwater, allowing experts to simulate how climate change-induced flooding and extreme heat might affect the community.
Clearwater could face a 24% increase in the intensity of rainstorms, a rise in sea levels of around 3.25 feet, and a 300% surge in extremely hot days by the year 2100. Project manager Chris Zambido emphasizes the importance of using this data to form mitigation strategies, focusing resources on areas most vulnerable to these climate impacts.
Potential strategies include elevating roads, implementing floodproofing measures, and raising buildings to withstand future challenges. However, funding is crucial for implementing these efforts. Clearwater plans to leverage federal grants to secure additional resources, with the vulnerability assessment serving as the vital first step in accessing these funds.
Kerilyn Kwiatkowski’s reporting highlights Clearwater’s commitment to resilience and preparedness in the face of climate change. By taking proactive measures now, the city aims to build a more sustainable and secure future for its residents.
