The Climate Emergency Forum discusses the increasing frequency and intensity of climate change-driven floods, particularly in the United States and worldwide. Host Herb Simmens introduces the dire trend, noting that while fatalities from flooding have decreased in wealthier nations due to improved warnings and planning, the scale and severity of flood events—and population exposure—are rising significantly, especially in vulnerable regions. Experts Dr. Peter Carter and Paul Beckwith detail how a warming climate causes the atmosphere to hold more water vapor, leading to heavier precipitation, more frequent extreme weather, and larger areas affected by floods.
This video was recorded on July 16th, 2025, and published on July 20th, 2025, and represents the opinions of the discussion participants.
Dr. Carter highlights research showing that precipitation in the U.S. is increasing at a rate over five times the global average, intensifying flood risks, particularly from phenomena like atmospheric rivers. He references NASA’s GRACE satellite data, which tracks surges in groundwater and flooding, confirming the rapid acceleration of extreme precipitation events. Both experts agree that, despite scientific advances, societal and governmental action lags behind the scale of the threat, with property damage and human suffering from floods growing alongside the rising costs of climate-driven disasters.
The discussion also covers the intersection of natural and human factors: policy failures, underfunded weather services, and loss of scientific expertise hinder disaster preparedness, while urban planning solutions—like China’s “Sponge Cities” initiative—provide hope for adaptation. The panel laments cuts to critical institutions and urges stronger investments in science and resilience infrastructure, warning that ignorance of climate risks will only heighten the dangers faced by communities worldwide.
Dr. Peter Carter - MD, Expert IPCC Reviewer and the director of the Climate Emergency Institute
Paul Beckwith - Climate Systems Scientist. Professor at the University of Ottawa’s Paleoclimatology Laboratory as well as at Carleton University
Herb Simmens - Author, Co-founder of the Healthy Planet Action Coalition (HPAC), Climate Emergency Board Member and former college instructor.
Charles Gregoire - Electrical Engineer, Webmaster and IT prime for FacingFuture.Earth & the Climate Emergency Forum; Climate Reality Leader
Heidi Brault - Climate Reality Leader, BA(Psychology), Library & Information Technician Diploma - Video production and website assistant - Organizer and convener, Metadata technician, COP Team Lead for FacingFuture.Earth and the Climate Emergency Forum.
Background Music:
Image and Video:
We are all very passionate about the climate emergency and the dramatic loss of biological diversity on Earth . . . Learn about us
Copyright ©
Climate Emergency Forum