Atmospheric rivers can bring unexpected flooding

“We need a new appreciation of the power of water,” said hydrologist Ed Clarke.

He spoke to reporters from The Washington Post in this story that explored one of the still-unfolding aspects of climate change: how atmospheric rivers can get super-saturated and bring devastating floods, often in unexpected places.

There was another part of the story that concerned me. Clarke was described as “director of the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration’s National Water Center, who was temporarily retired from government when he spoke to The Post.”

“Temporarily retired from government.” Chilling, isn’t it?

It’s everywhere, this deliberate cutting off our supply of rigorous science. How will we prepare for the effects of climate change without science to lead the way?

We’re talking about a lot more water than we’re used to, and a lot more than our infrastructure (built decades ago) can handle. And infrastructure can take decades to plan and build.

Instead, we’re building a White House State Ballroom, revamping the Lincoln bathroom and playing the fiddle while Rome burns (or drowns).

In the meantime, here are some stories from Delaware Currents:

Did we think that the LNG plant proposal for Southeastern Pennsylvania was dead? Nope.

‘Our community says no’: Speakers decry LNG plant proposal on the Delaware River in Southeastern Pennsylvania

And there is this story, which is a different part of the LNG puzzle for the lower Delaware:

Delaware Riverkeeper sues DRBC over Gibbstown LNG port permit extension

From yours truly, lots of smart people talking about the river:

Delaware River scientists and enthusiasts come together at FUDR’s River Rendezvous

From the Surfrider Foundation, which took environmental activism to the grassroots:

Volunteers collect 900 pounds of trash at three Delaware River basin sites and gain insights about plastics pollution

As promised, I will reiterate in each newsletter the sad news that Delaware Currents is shutting down as of Dec. 31, 2025.

Take care.