Storm slams Southern California as record-breaking rain possible this weekend – Los Angeles Times

Severe Weather Event in Southern California: An Analysis of Impacts on Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

An atmospheric river storm system is forecast to impact Southern California, presenting a severe weather threat with significant implications for several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The storm, peaking over the weekend, is projected to bring heavy rainfall, creating risks of flooding, mudflows, and debris flows, particularly in areas previously affected by wildfires. This event underscores the urgent need for climate action, resilient infrastructure, and community preparedness as outlined in the global development agenda.

Climate Action and Community Resilience (SDG 13 & SDG 11)

Meteorological Conditions and Climate Adaptation

The weather event highlights the increasing frequency and intensity of climate-related hazards, demanding robust climate action and adaptation strategies (SDG 13). Early warning systems are critical for mitigating risk and building resilience in communities (SDG 11).

• Forecast: The storm is powered by a “cut-off low,” a system known for its unpredictable path. Projections indicate peak rainfall rates of 0.75 to 1.25 inches per hour.
• Record Rainfall: Forecasts suggest downtown Los Angeles could receive 2.62 inches of rain, potentially making this the wettest November since 1985 and signaling a deviation from historical climate patterns.
• Early Warnings: In response, authorities have issued a flood watch for a large portion of Southern California and evacuation warnings for communities near recent burn scars. This aligns with SDG Target 11.B, which calls for integrated policies and plans towards disaster risk reduction.

Threats to Sustainable Cities and Communities

The storm poses a direct threat to human settlements, infrastructure, and public safety, challenging the goal of making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable (SDG 11).

1. Risk of Landslides: Heavy rainfall on fire-scarred hillsides creates a high risk of mudflows and debris flows, which can destroy homes and infrastructure. This directly relates to SDG Target 11.5, aiming to reduce the impact of natural disasters.
2. Community Preparedness: Responses within affected communities vary. While some residents and workers in areas like Altadena have deployed protective measures such as sandbags and tarps, others report a sense of apathy following previous disasters, indicating a challenge in maintaining sustained community engagement for disaster preparedness.
3. Potential for Tornadoes: Meteorologists have noted the possibility of spinning thunderstorms capable of producing tornadoes, a significant threat to life and property.

Impact on Ecosystems and Economic Stability (SDG 15 & SDG 8)

Vulnerability of Terrestrial Ecosystems

The event demonstrates the interconnectedness of environmental disasters, where wildfires exacerbate the destructive potential of heavy rainfall, leading to further land degradation and threatening terrestrial ecosystems (SDG 15).

• Burn Scar Instability: Areas affected by the January Eaton and Palisades fires are particularly vulnerable. The National Weather Service estimates a 70% chance that these burn scars will experience rainfall rates sufficient to trigger debris flows (0.5 inches per hour or more).
• Land Degradation: The potential for widespread mud and debris flows contributes to soil erosion and habitat destruction, undermining efforts to combat desertification and restore degraded land (SDG Target 15.3).

Economic and Social Disruptions

The severe weather has caused immediate economic and social disruptions, affecting local commerce and the well-being of residents, which are key concerns of SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being).

• Economic Impact: Major regional employers and tourist destinations, including Knott’s Berry Farm and Six Flags Magic Mountain, were forced to close due to inclement weather, illustrating the vulnerability of local economies to climate-related events.
• Public Health and Well-being: The storm presents a direct threat to human life and safety. Furthermore, reports from residents indicate significant psychological stress and fatigue in dealing with recurring disasters, impacting community well-being.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – The article focuses on the impact of a severe weather event on communities in Southern California, discussing risks to homes, infrastructure, and the safety of residents. It details preparedness measures and the aftermath of previous disasters like wildfires.
• SDG 13: Climate Action – The article discusses an “atmospheric river storm,” a severe and extreme weather event. It highlights the need for resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters, which are central themes of this goal.
• SDG 15: Life on Land – The article repeatedly mentions the increased risk of mudflows and debris flows on “fire-scarred hillsides” and “burn scars.” This directly connects the weather event to the state of terrestrial ecosystems and land degradation following wildfires, a key concern of SDG 15.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 11.5: “By 2030, significantly reduce the number of deaths and the number of people affected and substantially decrease the direct economic losses relative to global gross domestic product caused by disasters, including water-related disasters, with a focus on protecting the poor and people in vulnerable situations.”
  • The article directly addresses a water-related disaster (heavy rain, flooding, landslides). It discusses the potential for economic losses (closure of amusement parks, property damage) and the number of people affected (evacuation warnings issued in Altadena and near burn scars).
• Target 13.1: “Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.”
  • The entire article is a case study of a community facing a climate-related hazard. It describes efforts to strengthen resilience, such as placing “plastic tarps, netting and sandbags” on hillsides, issuing flood watches, and providing public safety advice (“Stay home and indoors”). The challenges in forecasting the storm’s exact location also highlight the complexities of adapting to these events.
• Target 15.3: “By 2030, combat desertification, restore degraded land and soil, including land affected by desertification, drought and floods, and strive to achieve a land degradation-neutral world.”
  • The article emphasizes that the risk of “mudflows and debris flows” is highest in areas with “fire-scarred hillsides from the Eaton and Palisades fires.” This illustrates how land degraded by fire is highly vulnerable to further degradation (soil erosion via landslides) from subsequent flooding, linking directly to the need to restore degraded land to prevent such disasters.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Direct Economic Loss from Disasters: The article explicitly mentions the closure of “Knott’s Berry Farm and Six Flags Magic Mountain” due to the storm, representing a direct economic loss. It also implies significant economic impacts through descriptions of a “decimated” horse boarding business and a homeowner’s struggles with “cleaners, insurance and these private companies” after a fire.
• Number of People Affected by Disasters: The article states that “evacuation warnings are in effect” for residents in areas near recent burn scars, such as Altadena. The number of people covered by these warnings is a direct indicator of the population affected.
• Damage to Critical Infrastructure and Housing: The article mentions damage from a previous tornado that included “downing trees and power poles, overturning vehicles and damaging street signs.” It also describes current preparations like placing “tarps over damaged or partial roofs,” indicating existing or potential damage to housing.
• Proportion of Land that is Degraded: The article identifies specific areas of degraded land by naming the “Eaton and Palisades fire burn scars” as well as the “Kenneth, Sunset and Hurst fires.” The total acreage of these burn scars serves as an indicator of land degradation, which exacerbates the risk of landslides.
• Hazard Monitoring and Early Warning Information: The article is filled with quantitative data used for early warnings, such as “peak rainfall rates Saturday of 0.75 to 1.25 inches per hour,” a “flood watch,” and specific probabilities like the “70% chance that the Eaton and Palisades fire burn scars will see rain fall at a rate of 0.5 inches or more per hour.” This data represents indicators used for disaster risk reduction.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: latimes.com