Arizona Climate Disaster Threats
June 5, 2020
TL/DR:
Trump has failed to prepare us for disasters caused by climate change. What does this mean
for Arizona?
- As temperatures rise due to climate change, the severity, frequency and extent of
wildfires increases, putting lives at risk and costing Arizonans billions:- Arizona’s 2020 wildfire season is expected to mirror 2019’s, which saw 1,860
fires burn an estimated 400,000 acres of land across the state. Scientists
predicted that wet winter conditions in Arizona paved the way for a potentially
disastrous dry summer in 2020. - In the last decade, Arizona has seen five wildfires that caused a total of $26.8
billion in damages and 98 deaths. In 2011, the Wallow Fire consumed over
500,000 acres in Arizona, making it the largest wildfire in the state’s history.
- Arizona’s 2020 wildfire season is expected to mirror 2019’s, which saw 1,860
- In addition to drought and wildfires, Arizona experiences severe rains and storms:
- Severe storms have been linked to climate change, as hotter air carries more moisture, leading to more frequent and more intense storms:
- Studies show Arizona could see heavier monsoon rains and less winter snow as the planet warms.
- In 2019, FEMA obligated $555,140 to Arizona following severe storms.