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3 Ways the Biden Administration and Congress Can Lower America s Flood Risk and Costs
Floodwaters cover streets and property in Gulf Shores, Alabama, on Sept. 17, 2020, after Hurricane Sally.
Joe Raedle
Getty Images
Flooding is a major, persistent, and widespread problem across the United States. 2020 brought another record-breaking hurricane season that caused billions of dollars in damage, and, with spring flood season fast approaching, the country could soon face another round of costly weather disasters. Fortunately, there are several initiatives that Joe Biden and his administration can take to mitigate flood risks to Americans as well as costs, which have ballooned by more than $100 billion each decade since the 1980s.
An Ocean and Climate Agenda for the New Administration
By Jean Flemma, Miriam Goldstein, and Anne Merwin
January 15, 2021, 9:01 am
Climate change is having profound effects on the ocean, as scientists have extensively documented. Coral reefs are dying, rising seas are flooding coastal communities, and fishermen are seeing their livelihoods threatened as fish seek cooler water. The ocean, however, provides opportunities to fight back. Globally, ocean-based climate solutions have the potential to provide up to one-fifth of the reductions in greenhouse gas emissions necessary to limit the world’s temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius, which scientists say is necessary to lower the risks associated with warming.
Cheri Bustos
A pandemic that began beyond our shores made its way to the Heartland.
When we kicked off 2020, that’s hardly the reality we imagined we would face before meetings turned virtual, celebrations were postponed and masked social distancing became our new normal.
In times of crisis, we turn to family. So, when Congress readied a response, my focus remained on putting Illinois’ families first.
One of the first relief bills I passed out of the House provided free testing, meals for kids, unemployment insurance and paid sick leave. And when the pandemic hit, and 13 Illinoisans from our region were stuck abroad, I’m proud my office helped them return home to reunite with loved ones.