Document Type
Article
Publication Title
The Analysis of Extreme Climate Threats in Maryland’s Lower Region Along the US Mid Atlantic
Abstract
The state of Maryland for all intents and purposes stands out as a pacesetter in different aspects of environmental planning more than other states. Known for having the first established planning commission in the United States decades ago before its neighbors and a longstanding tradition in orderly planning. One would think such illustrious trajectory, that Maryland enjoys, guarantees immunity from common exposures to climate change dangers based on experience. However, that is not really the case in the Mid Atlantic zone. The same state that boasts of some of the most successful farming operations and a flourishing economy heavily reliant on a stable ecosystem, now finds itself at the receiving end of climatic uncertainty along the coast. Accordingly, the lower side of Maryland has seen full share of climate change induced threats like ice storms, floodings and elevated temperature. All these results in widespread damage to society, economy, and the surrounding ecosystem, amidst the vulnerability of many sectors. The situation in the coastal environment is compounded by sea level rise, potential displacements, degradation, destruction of assets and anticipated inundation of low-lying settlements in the coming years. Notwithstanding the gravity of these issues, very little has been done to capture the risks sufficiently in the literature. Consequently, this enquiry will fill that void notably by analyzing the changing climate risks in Southern Maryland using mix-scale methods of GIS and descriptive statistics. Emphasis is on the trends, issues, factors, impacts and efforts towards containment of the hazards. Accordingly, the results of the trends show widespread risks exposure through periodic damages to the ecosystem, along with fiscal losses in some sectors of the economy. With all these attributed to ecological, socio-economic, policy and climatic uncertainty. The paper proffered solutions ranging from education, the strengthening of policies, the design of regional climate information system and the recourse to coastal zone planning.
DOI
10.5923/j.env.20241401.01
Publication Date
1-5-2024
Recommended Citation
Twumasi, Yaw; Merem, E. C.; Fageir, S.; Olagbegi, D.; Wesley, J.; Coney, R.; Babalola, Y.; Thomas, T.; Hines, A.; Hirse, G.; Ochai, G. S.; Nwagboso, E.; Crisler, M.; Leggett, S.; Offiah, J.; and Emeakpor, S., "The Analysis of Extreme Climate Threats in Maryland’s Lower Region Along the US Mid Atlantic" (2024). Faculty Publications. 18.
https://digitalcommons.subr.edu/osp_facpubs/18