Houston & Floods..Vulnerability explained
Ever since the turn of the 21st century and Houston has been affected by numerous hurricanes, causing tremendous floods and resulting in billions in damages. The consistency of the severe impact of floods on the city indicates that there are factors in play other than extreme weather conditions. According to an article by Prof Philip R Berke of Texas A&M University, a professor in land use and environmental planning, the rapid urban growth and subsequent poor infrastructure development in Houston is a primary factor. The poorly planned growth of the city has led to the loss of vital natural flood controls and waterways such as creeks, bayous, levees and detention basins. For example, between 1992 and 2010, White Oak bayou in Houston lost about 70% of its wetlands. These natural flood control units soak up vast amounts of rainfall.
Secondly, the lack of investments in man-made flood control infrastructure in a city that is car-oriented has an impact on run-off. The development of dams, canals and channels is not keeping up with the pace of building new roads for cars and motorcycles. The rapid growth of the city might have benefited developers, construction companies and local authorities in the short term, but they did not share the risks presented by floods, costly risks that mainly the residents had to bear.
In terms of weather conditions and rainfall intensity, greenhouse gases emission and the consequent climate change are the main, if not only, factors. With climate change, coastal cities are facing numerous challenges, but such challenges do not have to be crippling economically, in fact they could be considered opportunities. Rotterdam, in the Netherland is one densely populated coastal city with pioneering flood control solutions; the city has underground garages, roofs that absorb water and surge barriers. The solution is apparent, and it requires US authorities to coordinate development effectively whilst managing all possible risks. The US government's denial of climate change, endorsement of fossil fuel industries and reactive behaviour must be addressed by the public.
