Our Understanding of Floods is ALL Wrong

The video explores the changing patterns of rainfall due to climate change, highlighting the increased frequency of extreme precipitation events. It discusses the impact on urban infrastructure, particularly in New York City, where outdated systems struggle to manage the new climate reality. The video contrasts the experiences of Hollis, Queens, and Hoboken, NJ, showcasing successful flood mitigation strategies. It also addresses socioeconomic disparities in flood recovery, emphasizing the need for adaptive measures. The First St. risk map is introduced as a tool for understanding and preparing for future flood risks.

What is the main reason for the increased frequency of 100-year floods?

• Improved flood prediction technology

• A warmer atmosphere holding more moisture

• Increased urbanization

• A decrease in global temperatures

What is the relationship between temperature and the atmosphere's moisture capacity?

• Higher temperatures increase moisture capacity

• Higher temperatures decrease moisture capacity

• Temperature has no effect on moisture capacity

• Moisture capacity decreases with lower temperatures

How has urbanization affected New York City's ability to manage rainwater?

• It has improved the natural water system

• It has reduced the amount of rainwater

• It has replaced natural surfaces with impermeable ones

• It has increased the number of lakes and streams

What is the impact of impermeable surfaces on urban flooding?

• They decrease the amount of rainwater

• They have no impact on flooding

• They increase runoff and flooding

• They help absorb rainwater

What was a significant consequence of Hurricane Ida in Hollis, Queens?

• The construction of new green spaces

• The collapse of a community wall

• A decrease in annual rainfall

• An increase in local wildlife

What strategy has Hoboken, NJ, implemented to reduce flooding?

• Building more impermeable surfaces

• Reducing the number of sewer systems

• Creating Resiliency Parks with rain gardens

• Increasing the height of buildings

How does race and wealth influence disaster recovery efforts?

• Recovery efforts are based solely on the severity of the disaster

• All areas receive equal recovery resources

• Wealthier, predominantly white areas receive more recovery resources

• They have no impact on recovery efforts

What is the potential return on investment for flood mitigation efforts?

• $5 return for every $1 spent

• $8 return for every $1 spent

• $10 return for every $1 spent

• $1 return for every $8 spent

What is a key finding of 1st St.'s updated flood risk map?

• 100-year floods are now less frequent

• Flood risks are unchanged

• 100-year floods are now more frequent

• Flood risks have decreased in the Midwest

What is a major challenge in updating flood risk maps?

• Rapid changes in precipitation patterns

• Lack of historical data

• Increased urbanization

• Decreased funding for research