VTrans Megatrend 1: Climate

VTrans Policy for the Development and Monitoring of Long-term Risk & Opportunity Register identifies four Megatrends (Climate, Technological Advancements, Consumption Patterns, and Socio-Demographic Changes). This web page focuses on Megatrend # 1: Climate, which includes the following Macrotrend.

Increase in Flooding Risk due to three hazards (1) sea level rise; (2) storm surge, and (3) inland/riverine flooding

There is significant uncertainty around the forecasts; therefore, three scenarios - High, Medium, and Low Impacts - are developed for each Macrotrend. Finally, cumulative impacts of this and other macrotrends are estimated in Step 3 of the policy (web page).

Macrotrend # 1: Increase in Flooding Risk

The drivers of this macrotrend include: Emissions of heat-trapping gases. The following chart shows the number of directional roadways miles at risk from flooding by hazard type in the Medium Impact Scenario. The interactive map shows three scenarios developed for each of the three hazards.

VTrans Macrotrend 1: Flooding Risk Assessment Technical Memorandum includes background information and a detailed methodology for practitioners interested in the model's methods, processes, and limitations.

Number of Roadways At Risk from Flooding

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To query, print, download, or comment, visit InteractVTrans Map Explorer. For interactive infographics, visit InteractVTrans Data Explorer

Cumulative Impacts of Mega and Macrotrends on Virginia’s Transportation Goals

Cumulative impacts and the resulting risks and opportunities this and other Macrotrends are available on this webpage: Policy for Development and Monitoring of VTrans Risk & Opportunity Register. Please refer to the following resources for more information:

The Technical Guide for Development and Monitoring of VTrans Long-term Risk & Opportunity Register for methods and processes utilized to develop the estimates.
InteractVTrans Data Explorer to view infographics related to this and other macrotrends.

Noteworthy Items

The intent is to prepare, not predict. This risk-based approach allows for identification and analysis of a range of potential impacts to help determine temporal proximity and relative priority.
Policy drivers can modify trends to achieve more desirable outcomes.
The Policy for Development and Monitoring of VTrans Risk & Opportunity Register allows for monitoring and annual reporting of these trends.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Looking for more specific information about the Policy for Development and Monitoring of VTrans Long-term Risk & Opportunity Register? Find more information on our Frequently Asked Questions page