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Bellevue College *
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101
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Geography
Date
Feb 20, 2024
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docx
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Climate Change Risk Analysis for the
Property in West Point, UT
Abstract
Climate change can affect property values and it's important to consider these impacts when buying a house. As you plan to buy a house in Utah, it's essential to keep in mind the potential risks associated with the area. The city may seem attractive with its golf courses and hiking trails, however, it's important to consider the effects of climate change such as air quality issues from dust and smoke, increased risk of heat-related illnesses, increased flooding, wildfire risk, and water shortages. This report will provide an overview of these risks and conclude with a
recommendation on the feasibility of buying a house in Utah.
How well Property meets Desired Amenities
The property you are considering purchasing is a great fit for your needs. It has a convenient location near a medical clinic and recreational activities like golf courses and hiking trails. The figure below displays the proximity of these amenities.
The property offers easy access to recreational activities and has 4 bedrooms, ideal for hosting family and friends, making it perfect for those who value outdoor activities and comfort. The property is priced such that you will have money left over for investments after selling your house in Bellevue. This, combined with its location, comfort, and convenience, makes it a smart financial decision. However, the potential risks and impacts of climate change on the property and your health should also be considered.
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Possible Climate Change Impacts on Your Health: Today and in the Future
Air Quality
Moving to Utah may pose health risks due to air quality and water supply issues. Salt Lake City has been ranked as having the 7th worst air quality in the nation by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The air quality is affected by warm air trapping cold air in the
valley, creating an inversion, trapping pollution and resulting in worsening air quality. This can be difficult for residents to breathe, especially for those with asthma or other respiratory illnesses.
Furthermore, the water supply in Great Salt Lake has been decreasing due to diversions since the
19th century, which may exacerbate dust and air quality problems in the future. Air pollution in Utah is also believed to contribute to a significant number of premature deaths each year and decrease the median life expectancy for residents. It's important to consider these potential health
impacts before deciding to move to Utah.
Heat-Related Illnesses
Climate change is also expected to have an impact on the region, leading to more frequent and intense heat waves and droughts, which may cause potential heat-related issues that may affect your health and safety. According to the Risk Factor’s website, West Valley City has a moderate risk of heat, with increasing "feels like" temperatures and 79% of homes in the city having moderate heat factors. The likelihood of heat waves, lasting for three days or more, has risen from 16% 30 years ago to 59% currently, and it is projected to reach up to 86% in the next 30 years. High temperatures, especially above 90F, can be dangerous and can lead to health issues such as fatigue, heat stroke, heat exhaustion, and heat cramps. Previously, West Valley City had around 17 days above 90F, however, this year it is projected to have 39 days above 90F,
which can lead to hospitalization and even death for certain individuals (“Heat Risk Overview”). Here is a useful chart from the Risk Factor’s website:
It's important for you to take this information into account before deciding to move.
Possible Climate Change Impacts on the Future Value of Your Property
Flooding
Climate change causes rising sea levels and altered weather patterns, which intensify flooding from hurricanes and storms and increase coastal flood risks. Potential impacts of climate change and increase chance of flooding may have negative impact on the future value of your property. According to the Risk Factor’s website, West Valley City, in particular, is at a moderate risk of flooding over the next 30 years. Specifically, 1320 properties in West Valley City have a greater than 26% chance of being severely affected by flooding, which represents
11% of all properties in the city (“Flood Risk Overview”). Therefore, in 30 years from now on, the value of your property might be significantly affected because if a house is located in an area prone to flooding, the value of the house may be lower than comparable houses in less flood-
prone areas. Additionally, if a house has been damaged by flooding in the past, it may be difficult to sell due to permanent damages caused by water. These factors might negatively affect
the future value of your property.
Wildfire
A changing environment also means higher temperatures and drier conditions, creating conditions which are prime for wildfires to spread and potentially damaging properties. According to the Risk Factor’s website, “there are 17747 properties in West Valley City that have some risk of being affected by wildfire over the next 30 years. This represents 49% of all properties in West Valley City (“Wildfire Risk Overview”).
Conclusion
In conclusion, purchasing a house in Utah can offer many desirable amenities and convenience. Although, it's important to consider the potential risks and impacts that climate change may have on the future value of the property and your health. The property that you are considering purchasing is an excellent choice for your needs, as it is located near a hospital, golfing court, and hiking areas, providing easy access to recreational activities. Additionally, it is
spacious and offers 4 bedrooms, which is perfect for hosting family and friends. However, Utah's
air quality and water supply issues as well as the risk of flooding and wildfire, due to the
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changing climate, can pose a significant risk to the value of the property and your health. It's important to weigh the potential risks against the benefits before making a decision to purchase a
house in Utah.
Recommendations
I personally would recommend you proceed with purchasing a house in Utah, despite potential risks associated with climate change, as every city is impacted by climate change in some way, and it is difficult to predict 30 years ahead. The property offers a great balance of convenience, comfort, and investment potential making it an ideal choice.
Works Cited
“Air Quality in the Salt Lake Valley.” Niche Homes. February 27, 2020. https://nichehomes.com/air-quality-in-the-salt-lake-valley/
Errigo, Isabella M., Benjamin W. Abbott, Daniel L. Mendoza, Logan Mitchell, Sayedeh Sara Sayedi, Jeffrey Glenn, Kerry E. Kelly, John D. Beard, Samuel Bratsman, Thom Carter, Robert A. Chaney, Andrew Follett, Andrew Freeman, Rebecca J. Frei, Mitchell Greenhalgh, Heather A. Holmes, Peter D. Howe, James D. Johnston, Leslie Lange, Randal Martin, Audrey Stacey, Trang Tran, and Derrek Wilson. 2020. "Human Health
and Economic Costs of Air Pollution in Utah: An Expert Assessment"
Atmosphere
11, no. 11: 1238. https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos11111238.
“Flood Risk Overview Does West Valley City have risk,” Risk Factor,
Accessed 18 Jan. 2023.
https://riskfactor.com/city/west-valley-city/4983470_fsid/flood
“Heat Risk Overview Does West Valley City have risk.” Risk Factor. Accessed 18 Jan. 2023. https://riskfactor.com/city/west-valley-city/4983470_fsid/heat
Robert C. Jones Jr.. “How dangerous is dust from evaporating Great Salt Lake.” News@TheU. https://news.miami.edu/stories/2022/09/how-dangerous-is-dust-from-evaporating-great-
salt-lake.html#:~:text=Climate%20change%2Dinduced%20drought%20is,carry%20the
%20dust%20for%20miles
https://www.standard.net/news/environment/2022/oct/10/the-people-living-near-owens-
lake-endured-decades-of-toxic-dust-heres-why-they-stayed/
“WildFire Risk Overview Does West Valley City have risk,” Risk Factor, Accessed 18 Jan. 2023.
https://riskfactor.com/city/west-valley-city/4983470_fsid/fire
Wurtsbaugh, Wayne A.; Miller, Craig; Null, Sarah E.; Wilcock, Peter; Hahnenberger, Maura; and Howe, Frank, "Impacts of Water Development on Great Salt Lake and the Wasatch Front" (2016).
Watershed Sciences Faculty Publications.
Paper 875.
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/wats_facpub/875