As Hurricane Milton threatens to hit Florida, scenes of desperation and uncertainty have emerged, painting a picture of a state on edge.
While Wisconsin may seem far removed from the immediate impacts of the storm, the collective unease and anticipation felt by those in Florida resonate with a shared sense of empathy and concern.
The prospect of facing fierce winds, unrelenting rainfall, surging floodwaters, and devastated communities is not something we have to endure.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene’s destructive path across the Southeast, the arrival of Hurricane Milton seems to be causing more feelings of helplessness than fear.
For those who frequent Florida for vacations or have loved ones or second homes there, it is unfortunately not uncommon to witness areas that have barely started recovering from the impact of Hurricane Ian in 2022.
The impact of this year’s hurricane season is resonating in Milwaukee and throughout Wisconsin, spanning from the Driftless area to the Fox Valley and the Northwoods.
It serves as a stark reminder that climate change is a present reality, sparing no havens and causing devastation and significant financial burdens.
The considerable amount of money spent locally and its impending transfer to other regions is a testament to the deadly and costly consequences of climate change.
According to Steve Vavrus, the Wisconsin state climatologist, extreme weather impacts all of us in various ways.
Climate change is demonstrating the interconnectedness of various aspects, including relief efforts, supply chain disruptions, and the economic impact of severe weather events, according to Vavrus.
Vavrus emphasized the importance of being concerned about events happening in other places. The effects of a warmer planet are far-reaching.
When the temperature of water increases, it has the potential to enhance the intensity of storms. This is because warmer water allows storms to absorb a greater amount of moisture, resulting in increased precipitation.
Whether it’s heavy rainfall during a hurricane or heavy snowfall during a lake-effect snowstorm, the warmer water can contribute to the severity of these weather events.
Climate change is expensive
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Since 1980, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has been monitoring climate and weather events that have caused over $1 billion in damages.
Over the course of 43 years, there have been a staggering 376 billion-dollar disasters, resulting in a total cost of nearly $3 trillion.
It’s important to note that this figure represents only those extreme events that exceeded the $1 billion threshold, making it a conservative estimate of the actual economic impact.
Between 2021 and 2023, the cost of these billion-dollar disasters averaged around $144 billion, which is nearly seven times higher than it was in the 1980s, even after accounting for inflation.
A recent analysis from the Center for Public Integrity predicts that Wisconsin may need to allocate as much as $16 billion by 2041 in order to safeguard its communities from the increasing risks associated with extreme weather events, including heavy rainfall and heatwaves.
According to Vavrus, extreme weather has become significantly more costly, and there are no indications that it will lessen any time soon.
Extreme floods are washing out towns
According to Vavrus, a well-known narrative in Wisconsin suggests that climate change will result in warmer and wetter conditions, along with frequent shifts between extreme weather events.
Wisconsin has experienced a significant warming of approximately 3 degrees Fahrenheit since 1950. The state has witnessed the warmest two decades on record, as reported by the Wisconsin Initiative on Climate Change Impacts.
Moreover, there has been a notable increase in rainfall, with an average annual rise of about five inches during this period. Wisconsin’s infrastructure was not designed to withstand the challenges posed by the changing climate.
Communities in northern Wisconsin have been trapped in a vicious cycle of devastating floods and subsequent reconstruction. Over the course of a decade, from 2012 to 2022, six federal disaster declarations were made in response to the flooding, erosion, and infrastructure damage endured by these communities.
Winters are changing shape
The Great Lakes region is experiencing a noticeable trend towards warmer and wetter conditions, resulting in a decrease in snowfall and an increase in rainfall.
Recent data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reveals that this past winter was the warmest recorded in the Great Lake states over the last 123 years.
Wisconsin, known for its cold and snowy winters, holds a special place in our hearts and economy. The impact of the harsh weather extends beyond our identity to the livelihoods of small businesses that depend on winter activities.
Unfortunately, these businesses faced tremendous setbacks, leading to revenue losses and even closures. In fact, seven counties in Wisconsin’s Northwoods collectively experienced a staggering $6.5 million loss during this period.
Considering the relatively sparse population in the area, this loss is significant and highlights the challenges faced by local enterprises.
The conditions can also create ideal circumstances for the formation of hazardous lake-effect snow. This phenomenon occurs when warm air masses pass over the lake and absorb moisture from ice-free bodies of water.
Although lake-effect snow is not common in Milwaukee, it can occur if a storm moves in from the northeast.
On the Wisconsin side of Lake Michigan, it is more common to experience wintertime floods and waves that have the potential to erode the lakeshore.
In fact, back in January 2020, the combination of high lake levels and strong winds resulted in the formation of massive 15-foot waves that caused significant flooding along the shorelines.
The severity of the situation led Governor Tony Evers to declare a state of emergency for Milwaukee, Racine, and Kenosha counties.
Cold, snowy winters have long been a defining characteristic of Wisconsin. However, there is growing concern about whether these winters are becoming a thing of the past.
According to recent data, the ice cover in the Great Lakes has reached its fourth lowest level in the past 50 years. This significant decrease in ice coverage raises concerns about the potential impact it will have on various aspects of our lives.
The reduced ice cover could have far-reaching consequences for the environment, economy, and overall well-being of the region.
Wildfire smoke is blanketing summer skies
Over the past couple of years, residents of Wisconsin experienced an unexpected presence: Smoke from wildfires that were raging in Canada and the western United States. The smoke became so severe at certain times that it caused areas like Milwaukee to have some of the most hazardous air quality globally.
According to climate experts, the frequency of such incidents is expected to increase as wildfires intensify and spread more rapidly as a result of climate change.
The health impacts of the smoke in Wisconsin are difficult to fully ascertain. However, an analysis revealed that the wildfire smoke in 2023 was responsible for the deaths of twelve individuals in Milwaukee County.
Furthermore, it is estimated that over 100 people lost their lives due to the smoke across Wisconsin. Poor air quality from wildfire smoke can have a severe impact on vulnerable populations, including seniors, young children, and pregnant women.
Individuals with pre-existing health conditions, such as asthma and other lung diseases, are also profoundly affected by the harmful effects of smoke.
Furthermore, outdoor workers and individuals in schools or businesses without proper air filters are at risk. It is important to recognize that poor air quality not only poses physical health risks but also takes a toll on mental well-being.
Last year’s wildfire smoke had a significant impact on the health of Wisconsin residents. The newly released data provides a detailed account of the health consequences caused by the smoke.
Responding to climate change will require new ways of doing things
The planet is already experiencing some of the consequences of climate change due to the release of greenhouse gas emissions. Even if we were to completely stop using fossil fuels today, the Earth would still continue to warm.
According to the Wisconsin Initiative on Climate Change Impacts, there are several additional steps that policymakers, businesses, farmers, and individuals can take to help Wisconsin prepare for climate change.
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- Protect the most vulnerable because climate change has a disproportionate impact on economically and racially marginalized communities.
- Protect natural habitats and vegetation.
- Expand forest cover in urban and natural landscapes.
- Practice climate-smart agricultural that integrates food production, cover for wildlife and carbon storage.
- Build infrastructure that accounts for future climate conditions.
- Help local communities become more resilient by investing in flood risk reduction and pre-disaster mitigation.