The extreme weather that left millions without power and water during a historic storm in Texas highlights America’s aging infrastructure crisis, but the US Army Corps of Engineers says working with nature is the answer.
US infrastructure: A ticking time bomb
America’s infrastructure is ailing badly. And while administration after administration has acknowledged the poor health of US infrastructure, America’s leaders have failed to take action on rebuilding.
America’s infrastructure was mainly constructed in the early 20th century. The country made bold investments that built the systems that power the nation, provide water, natural gas, roadways and bridges.
But everything has a lifespan. Now, in the 21st century, not only is America’s infrastructure badly aged, it lacks the necessary adaptation and innovations to keep pace with expanding needs and a changing climate.
The year 2020 tied the record for the hottest year ever recorded, first set in 2016. In the past ten years, the last six years have been the warmest ever recorded since record keeping began. But even more troubling, 2020 was one of the worst on record in terms of natural disasters and the scope of their impact, from a record-setting Atlantic hurricane season to the historic and unprecedented outbreaks of wildfires.
These changes in climate put even greater demand on a weakening infrastructure making it a ticking time bomb.
America’s infrastructure gets a failing grade
During the historic 2021 winter storm and cold stretch courtesy of the polar vortex, the fragility of US infrastructure became horrifically obvious. Millions in Texas were left without electricity or water for days.
The experts on infrastructure, the American Society of Civil Engineers have consistently ranked America’s infrastructure as C-minus to D-plus. And of course, “D” is the first letter in “disaster.” This is what we’ve seen recently in Texas, and not too many years ago with levee failures in New Orleans.
According to a 2018 study by Stanford, since 1980, the US sees an average of 24 dam failures per year that have resulted in one or more fatalities.
Working with nature is the best way to solve our infrastructure crisis, say engineers
A soon to be released four-year study from the US Army Corps of Engineers will offer guidelines for how working with nature can be used in terms of creating natural infrastructure to support human-made infrastructure to best create a system that is resilient, while reducing flood risk, the Washington Post reported. The study involved scientists and engineers from around the world. For the first time, it offers a comprehensive guide for the way in which nature can be employed to design, engineer and construct a natural infrastructure, as well as its maintenance.
The plan includes how to combine rock, concrete and steel with natural infrastructure, such as a concrete floodwall that has an expansive reef and marsh in front of it. The reef and marsh system can reduce the power of waves, while capturing carbon and improving water quality. In addition, the marsh can serve as a recreational area. In inland areas, flood protection can be offered by creating river floodplains, parks and green spaces. The idea is to create multiple lines of natural defenses against environmental forces.
