Climate change is one of the most significant global risks for both society and the environment. The impact of climate change on floods is an important and often underestimated aspect of this risk.
There is strong evidence that climate change is already increasing the frequency and severity of floods. A warmer climate leads to more evaporation, which in turn leads to more precipitation. This increased precipitation can come in the form of more intense storms, as well as more frequent and longer-lasting floods.
In addition to the increased frequency and severity of floods, climate change also impacts flood risks in other ways. For example, changes in land use and land cover can increase the amount of runoff, which can lead to more flooding. Additionally, sea level rise caused by climate change can exacerbate coastal flooding.
Restoration efforts after a flood are also impacted by climate change. Warmer temperatures and increased precipitation can lead to more vegetation growth. However, this vegetation growth can also lead to more debris and sediment in waterways, which can make restoration efforts more difficult.
The impact of climate change on floods is a complex and multi-faceted issue. It is clear that climate change will have a significant impact on both the risks and the restoration efforts associated with floods.
Sources:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2212094716300998