Children Exposed to Major Coastal Floods in the U.S.

Via Climate Central
Via Climate Central
Rising Coastal Flood Risk Due to Climate Change
    • Coastal flooding is increasing due to rising sea levels and more frequent storms.
    • Flood risks will worsen, with floods happening ten times more often by 2050 without significant climate action.
Children at Risk
    • Nearly 400,000 children in the U.S. will live in areas at risk from major coastal flooding by 2030.
    • Making up over a quarter of those risks are children under 5, who are especially vulnerable to the physical and mental health effects of flooding.
Health Impacts on Children
    • Coastal flooding poses physical health risks (e.g., waterborne diseases, mold, toxic chemicals) and mental health risks (e.g., stress, displacement).
    • Young children, especially those under five, are at greater risk due to difficulty coping with flooding effects, such as disrupted routines, increased stress, and displacement.
Protecting Children from Flood Risks
    • Key actions include preparation for floods, minimizing exposure to flood-damaged areas, and ensuring resilience in communities.
      The most important measure is investing in climate resilience and rapid action to reduce flood risks.
CONSORTIUM CONTACT EXPERT

Lisa Patel,MD, MESc, FAAP
Executive Director, Medical Society Consortium on Climate and Health
Clinical Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Pediatrician at Stanford Medicine Children’s Health
Relevant expertise: Children’s health and climate change
Contact: lpatel9@stanford.edu