Author Archives: Thomas Frank
Biden’s Pick to Lead FEMA Signals Urgency on Pandemic and Climate Change
Deanne Criswell, an experienced emergency manager, will be the first woman to lead the agency since it was created in 1979
— Read more on ScientificAmerican.com
Posted in STEM News
LGBTQ People Are at Higher Risk in Disasters
A federal report about vulnerability focuses on historically disadvantaged people for the first time
— Read more on ScientificAmerican.com
Posted in STEM News
Disaster Program Allocates Unprecedented Funds for Climate Resilience
Communities will be able to tap into $500 million to mitigate against disasters by, for example, strengthening building codes
— Read more on ScientificAmerican.com
Posted in STEM News
Shelters Stay Empty as Isaias Barrels Up the East Coast
Concerns over COVID-19 have officials urging evacuees to stay with friends and family or at hotels
— Read more on ScientificAmerican.com
Posted in STEM News
With Sea Level Rise, High-tide Flooding Spikes Along U.S. Coasts
Fifteen communities set records for the number of days with such floods last year
— Read more on ScientificAmerican.com
Posted in STEM News
Removing 1 Million Homes from Flood Zones Could Save $1 Trillion
Expanding buyout programs would be more cost-effective than other measures, such as elevating houses or flood-proofing basements
— Read more on ScientificAmerican.com
Posted in STEM News
Homes in U.S. Flood Zones Are Vastly Overvalued
Requirements to disclose flood risk could help discourage development in inundation-prone areas
— Read more on ScientificAmerican.com
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Studies Sound Alarm on “Badly Out-of-Date” FEMA Flood Maps
The billions of dollars needed to update the maps would be offset by the flood damage avoided, experts say
— Read more on ScientificAmerican.com
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To Encourage Climate Action, Talk Up the Benefits of Adaptation
Rather than emphasizing the harm climate change will cause, promoting the economic benefits of mitigation does more to spur public action
— Read more on ScientificAmerican.com
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Rising Seas Soaked Home Owners for $16 Billion over 12 Years
The threat of flooding has driven some buyers away and caused losses in property values
— Read more on ScientificAmerican.com
Posted in STEM News