The United States Experiences Increased Dustiness, resulting in an Annual Expense of $154 Billion
Extreme weather events, such as hurricanes and dust storms, can significantly impact our lives, properties, and economy. While the economic toll of major storms like Hurricane Helene or Milton is evident, a recent study reveals that blowing dust and wind erosion cause annual damages of around $154 billion across various sectors in the U.S.
Dust storms, or walls of dust and debris blown by strong winds, are a common phenomenon. They can reach up to miles in length and thousands of feet in height, as stated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Intense dust storms, known as haboobs, are often seen in northern Africa, the Saharan desert, and parts of the U.S., according to the American Meteorological Society's Glossary.
The study, published in the journal Nature Sustainability, considered costs associated with various sectors, including agriculture, healthcare, transportation, renewable energy, and individual households. For instance, it analyzed $250 million in transportation costs in 2017 due to fatalities and accidents caused by reduced visibility during dust storms.
Dust contains ultra-fine particles which can exacerbate respiratory illnesses and lead to medical costs. Valley Fever, common in the Southwest, is estimated to account for almost $3 billion in medical costs and lost wages annually. In the agricultural sector, wind erosion decreases soil moisture and nutrients, resulting in a $10 billion loss in agricultural productivity in 2017.
Renewable energy systems, such as solar and wind energy, are affected by dust as well. Dust buildup reduces efficiency, resulting in approximately $4 billion in annual costs. Lastly, individual household costs include damages to homes and landscaping, estimated to be $40 billion in 2017.
Solutions proposed by the study include conservation agricultural practices which can help keep soil rooted and decrease dust. The study was funded by NASA, highlighting the importance of federally-funded research in addressing these issues.
The Southwest region, known for its arid climate, is particularly susceptible to droughts and dust storms. These weather events can negatively impact agriculture in Arizona, leading to economic losses.
The study found that dust storms cause annual damages of around $154 billion in the U.S., specifically affecting sectors like agriculture, healthcare, transportation, and individual households.
Dust storms, such as haboobs, can also result in wind erosion, which decreases soil moisture and nutrients, causing a $10 billion loss in agricultural productivity.
The study suggested implementing conservation agricultural practices to help keep soil rooted and decrease dust, potentially reducing the economic impact of these events.
Winds, a common factor in these extreme weather events, can also lead to land use degradation, contributing to the issue of agricultural degradation.
The study highlights the importance of federally-funded research, as it was funded by NASA, in addressing these environmental issues and their economic implications.
Extreme weather events like dust storms, if not properly managed, can have significant implications for the economy, particularly in regions with agricultural industries and arid climates.
