Climate scientists say building collapse is a 'wake-up call' about the potential impact of rising seas

The increasing frequency of high-tide flooding due to climate change is cause for concern for all coastal infrastructure.

Among a long list of hypotheses: climate change. Sea level rise, higher storm surges and more frequent high-tide flooding are deteriorating coastal infrastructure above and below ground. Officials are still very early in their investigation into what caused the collapse, and initial signs point to potential issues at the base of the building, perhaps in its foundation, columns or underground parking garage. But some engineers are considering whether increasing exposure to saltwater could have played a role in weakening the building's foundation or internal support system.