Climate change is one of the most significant threats to Tennessee’s environment and economy. The state is already experiencing more extreme weather events, such as more frequent and intense storms and floods. These events are costly, damaging homes, businesses, and infrastructure, and putting lives at risk. Climate change will likely make these events even more frequent and severe in the future.
Tennessee is particularly vulnerable to flooding because of its topography. More than half of the state is located in the Tennessee River watershed, which means that changes in precipitation can quickly lead to flooding. The state is also home to many lakes and reservoirs, which can overflow during heavy rains.
Flooding and storm damage are costly. In 2010, floods caused more than $1 billion in damage in Tennessee. In 2012, severe storms and tornadoes caused nearly $2 billion in damage. These events can also be deadly. In 2010, 10 people died as a result of floods in Tennessee.
There are steps that Tennessee can take to reduce its vulnerability to climate change. For example, the state can invest in flood control and stormwater management infrastructure. It can also create incentives for landowners to manage their land in ways that reduce flood risk. But it is clear that climate change is already having an impact on Tennessee and that this impact is likely to become more severe in the future.
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/climate-change-is-intensifying-the-u-s-flood-threat/
https://www.nrdc.org/stories/how-climate-change-making-floods-worse
https://www.climatecentral.org/news/climate-change-and-flooding-in-tennessee-22273