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Underground climate change threatens Chicago’s foundation

Aug 11, 2023

Welcome to Green Chronicles! Today, we delve into an alarming discovery that highlights how climate change can manifest in unexpected ways. Researchers have identified a phenomenon called “underground climate change,” which is causing the land beneath downtown Chicago to slowly sink. While this may not pose an immediate threat to human life, it raises concerns about the lasting durability of structures in cities across the United States. Join us as we explore the implications of this silent hazard and discuss potential solutions to mitigate its impact on urban infrastructure.

Understanding Underground Climate Change

Unlike the climate change we typically associate with greenhouse gas emissions, underground climate change, or subsurface heat islands, is a consequence of man-made structures radiating heat into the earth. In downtown Chicago, the excessive heat escaping from buildings and underground transportation systems is warming the clay soil, causing it to contract. This soil contraction may lead to cracks in building foundations and structural distortion or tilting, jeopardizing the long-term stability of buildings.

The Silent Hazard

One of the challenges with underground climate change is its subtle nature. People often overlook the heat sources lurking beneath their feet. To understand the impact on Chicago’s ground temperature, researchers installed a network of temperature sensors above and below the ground. The data revealed that ground temperatures below the city are rising by about 0.25 degrees Fahrenheit every year. Some areas experience temperatures as much as 27 degrees warmer than undisturbed ground.

Implications for Urban Infrastructure

The consequences of rising subsurface temperatures extend beyond building foundations. Underground climate change can affect plant growth, lead to thermal pollution of groundwaters, and even impact transportation infrastructure. Overheating subway rails may force trains to run more slowly or halt operations altogether. Additionally, people underground may face health issues like dehydration, asthma, and hypertension due to higher temperatures.

Solutions and Mitigation

Addressing underground climate change requires proactive measures to protect urban infrastructure and human well-being. Applying thermal insulation to underground building enclosures can reduce the waste heat escaping into the earth. Moreover, the excess underground heat offers an opportunity for geothermal energy utilization to warm and cool buildings sustainably.

Lessons for the Future

The findings in Chicago offer valuable insights into the impacts of underground climate change. While the thermal movements in the Chicago Loop may not be cause for immediate concern, it raises awareness of potential problems in other cities with different ground conditions. Understanding this phenomenon can guide future city planning and infrastructure development, promoting climate-resilient urban environments.

Conclusion

The discovery of underground climate change in Chicago serves as a poignant reminder that climate change can affect various facets of our environment in unexpected ways. To ensure the sustainability and resilience of our cities, we must prioritize climate-conscious urban planning, implement innovative solutions like geothermal energy utilization, and take swift action to mitigate the impacts of climate change.

Let’s work together to protect our urban landscapes, build climate-resilient cities, and safeguard the well-being of future generations.

References: News Source – Underground Climate Change in Chicago

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/chicago-may-be-slowly-sinking-because-of-underground-climate-change-180982573/