in which federal, state and municipal authorities could prepare. The Federal Emergency Management Agency needs to vigorously redefine floodplains, using the best models for sea level rise and intensifying storms. The fossil fuel and chemical industries, and others who work with dangerous substances, need to develop realistic disaster plans to protect against release during floods.
When it comes to the potential for climate-change-intensified floods to unleash toxic chemicals into the environment, we are in completely uncharted waters. But the time to start planning for the stormy days and years ahead is now.
Blue Ridge Press Editor Glenn Scherer resides in Hardwick, Vt.