Los riesgos ocultos de las inundaciones en un mundo que se calienta

The document highlights that every region of the United States has seen an increase in heavy precipitation over the last 50 years, a trend expected to continue as the climate warms. It identifies five 'hidden' health risks following floods: drowning in vehicles, contamination of drinking water, sewage backup in homes, contamination of recreational waterways, and toxic indoor mold. The text argues that while immediate dangers like drowning and electrocution are known, the long-term public health burdens—including respiratory issues, gastrointestinal diseases, and mental health problems—are often overlooked. It calls for aggressive reductions in carbon emissions from fossil fuels and the creation of more resilient communities to mitigate these escalating risks.

• Every region of the United States has experienced an average increase in heavy precipitation over the last 50 years, and this trend is projected to continue as temperatures rise.
• Flooding creates significant 'hidden' public health risks beyond immediate trauma, including waterborne gastrointestinal diseases from contaminated drinking water and recreational areas, as well as debilitating respiratory and neurological problems caused by indoor mold growth.
• Vehicle-related deaths represent a major hidden danger during floods; in 2010, 44 percent of flood deaths in the U.S. occurred in vehicles, as as little as 18 inches (46 centimeters) of water can lift a car or SUV.
• To minimize climate risks, the United States must aggressively reduce carbon emissions by burning fewer fossil fuels, specifically coal, oil, and natural gas, while simultaneously preparing for inevitable climate changes.

APA

Union of Concerned Scientists (2015). Los riesgos ocultos de las inundaciones en un mundo que se calienta. https://www.ucs.org/sites/default/files/2019-10/after-the-flood-executive-summary_SPANISH.pdf

Chicago

Union of Concerned Scientists. Los riesgos ocultos de las inundaciones en un mundo que se calienta. 2015. https://www.ucs.org/sites/default/files/2019-10/after-the-flood-executive-summary_SPANISH.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=Union of Concerned Scientists |title=Los riesgos ocultos de las inundaciones en un mundo que se calienta |date=February 2015 |url=https://www.ucs.org/sites/default/files/2019-10/after-the-flood-executive-summary_SPANISH.pdf |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{unionofconcernedscientists2015los, author = {{Union of Concerned Scientists}}, title = {{Los riesgos ocultos de las inundaciones en un mundo que se calienta}}, institution = {Union of Concerned Scientists}, year = {2015}, month = feb, url = {https://www.ucs.org/sites/default/files/2019-10/after-the-flood-executive-summary_SPANISH.pdf}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }