USGS Invests $1 Million to Combat Rising Landslide Threats Amid Intensifying Climate Change

As climate change intensifies, so too does the frequency and impact of landslides across the United States. In recognition of the escalating threat, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is allocating $1 million to a new initiative aimed at mitigating the risks associated with these natural disasters. With annual economic costs related to landslides reaching a staggering $1 billion, this investment comes as part of a broader effort to enhance disaster preparedness in the face of changing environmental conditions. Landslides can result from various natural phenomena, including earthquakes, storms, and wildfires that leave landscapes vulnerable. The USGS estimates that between 25 to 50 lives are lost each year due to landslides, which can involve the movement of rocks, soil, and debris, often resulting in catastrophic damage to infrastructure and communities. The agency has indicated that climate change is exacerbating the situation, increasing rainfall intensity and leading to more frequent wildfires that destabilize soil and vegetation in affected areas. To address these challenges, the federal funding will support projects proposed by local, state, tribal, and territorial governments aimed at reducing landslide risks. Landslides are a national concern, occurring in all 50 states and U.S. territories, which underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to hazard mitigation. The investment is part of the USGS Cooperative Landslide Hazard Mapping and Assessment Program, which prioritizes mapping, assessments, and information collection related to landslide risks. The USGS is currently seeking additional project proposals for Fiscal Year 2025, following a successful round of grants in FY2024 that funded nine projects across multiple states, including Arizona, Colorado, and Washington. One notable project funded is in Utah, where the Utah Geological Survey plans to allocate $302,494 to create a landslide inventory for valleys along the Wasatch Front. Rapid urban expansion in these areas has raised concerns about the potential for landslides to impact public safety and infrastructure, particularly given the record-breaking snowpack experienced in recent years. Historically, Utah has seen significant fatalities associated with landslides, with 342 lives lost since 1850, the majority tied to snow avalanches. The financial implications of landslides are similarly daunting, with damages ranging from $200 million following a major landslide in 1983 to $2 million from another in 2014. This financial burden adds urgency to the need for effective mitigation measures. The recent push for federal funding and strategic planning stems from the 2021 passage of the National Landslide Preparedness Act, which mandates the USGS to develop a national strategy for addressing landslide hazards. This includes establishing an extensive public database and enhancing early warning systems for flash floods and debris flows. Collaboration with agencies like the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is also a vital component of this effort. FEMA has reported troubling statistics, particularly from California, where over 100 lives have been lost to landslide-related debris flows in the last quarter-century. These fatalities often occur in residential areas adjacent to hazardous slopes, highlighting the critical need for improved safety measures and public awareness. FEMA emphasizes the dangers posed by landslides, which can travel at alarming speeds, further complicating the risks for affected communities. The USGS grants represent a proactive step towards mitigating landslide risks, saving lives, and minimizing economic losses in an increasingly challenging climate landscape. As weather patterns become more extreme and unpredictable, the focus on disaster preparedness and risk reduction is more important than ever. These initiatives not only aim to protect communities but also reflect a necessary adaptation to the realities of a changing environment, where the impacts of climate change are becoming more pronounced.