The Hidden Threat of America’s Aging Dams Amidst Climate Change

A recent incident in Manawa, Wisconsin, where a decades-old earthen dam crumbled after heavy rain, highlights the vulnerability of America’s aging dam infrastructure. The American Society of Civil Engineers reported that there are over 15,000 high-hazard dams in the country. Climate change exacerbates the problem by causing sudden, intense storms that dams may not withstand. This issue underscores the need for urgent infrastructure repair and modernization. As extreme weather events become more frequent, the risk of dam failures and associated evacuations, like the one in Manawa, will likely increase. Efforts to address infrastructure decay are ongoing but slow, emphasizing the need for accelerated action.