COLUMBUS – A new study warns that the threat of climate change extends much farther inland and could wreak havoc on transportation and infrastructure systems across Ohio and the Midwest.
The author of the Midwest Economic Policy Institute study says policymakers need to be proactive to protect communities and the economy from the potential costs and consequences of climate change.
Mary Craighead’s report says the average air temperature has increased by more than 4 degrees since the 1980’s, and there’s been a 27-percent increase in the number of days of very heavy rain since the 1950’s.
“The higher temperatures and the stronger storms can reduce the lifespan of roads, bridges. They can cause railways to buckle. Flooding, obviously, is a huge issue that can impact the flow of traffic, the flow of freight, which can impact our economy,” Craighead said.
Craighead says flooding is a key issue because there has been a steady reduction in ice coverage on the Great Lakes, and more frequent freeze-thaw cycles.
There have been more power outages and Craighead adds that the Midwest is a net distributor of electricity to other regions.
Floods, high winds, ice, snow and storms can damage facilities and above-ground transmission lines.
The report recommends limiting development in low-lying areas that already have experienced storm-related damage, and updating heat and rainfall standards used in the project-design process.
National infrastructure needs are expected to top 2-trillion dollars by 2025, according to Craighead’s study.