Residents in Richmond, California, which is near a Chevron refinery, have experienced “hazardous” disasters before. But now, rising sea levels and more dangerous flooding could make those issues even worse.
What’s happening?
According to Inside Climate News, Richmond residents are worried about the health costs of living in a polluted city, especially as sea levels rise and storms intensify.
One recent study, per Inside Climate News, examined the impact of pollution on surging seas and flooding at hazardous sites near Richmond. These areas, filled with substances such as petroleum, are at risk of toxic materials mixing into floodwaters.
However, toxic substances like oil and coal also contribute to rising flood risks. Burning them releases planet-warming pollutants that cause supercharged storms, flooding, and high tides, Inside Climate News explained…