Massive Floods Lead to State of Emergency in Northern Calif.

Image copyright: Anadolu Agency/Getty Images [via CNN]

The Facts

  • Northern California has experienced large-scale flooding and damaging winds which have contributed to at least two deaths. Dozens of people have been rescued and hundreds of thousands of Californians are without power.

  • A major impact area was the agricultural area near Sacramento, including the low-elevation communities of Point Pleasant, Glanville Tract, and Franklin Pond.


The Spin

Narrative A

Northern California is experiencing record levels of precipitation and flooding. The connection between the power and frequency of atmospheric river-driven storms and climate change is undeniable. This is yet another example of our climate emergency in action.

Narrative B

It's easy to dismiss any extreme weather event as a consequence of climate change, but in reality, they're usually influenced by a myriad of factors that have nothing to do with it. More research is needed before we can establish any direct causal link between the two.


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