After 8 major hurricanes in 6 years, some Gulf Coast communities are hitting a 'tipping point'

[modrepub]

When Hurricane Idalia slammed into Florida Wednesday morning, it became the eighth major hurricane to hit the Gulf Coast in the last six years. And it may not be the last; Atlantic hurricane season hasn’t yet peaked, and the Gulf of Mexico has been historically warm – more energy to fuel more deadly storms.

But as the tireless work of rebuilding begins in places like hard-hit Pasco County, Idalia’s landfall renews the question of whether it’s appropriate to rebuild in some areas, experts told CNN, and where to do so.

Human-caused climate change is wreaking havoc on the Gulf Coast, which is already experiencing some of the fastest sea level rise in the world. As the ocean swallows shore, it makes the impacts of storm surge and flooding more dangerous for the communities in these low-lying areas.

To make matters worse, many insurance companies are also pulling out of some Gulf states, leaving homeowners and businesses with more risk and fewer options to finance their recovery in a way that will leave buildings stronger and better able to withstand the next storm.

[link:https://www.yahoo.com/news/8-major-hurricanes-6-years-081754718.html|

IMHO the M$M (and most folks) have completely missed or ignored the battle between the fossil fuel and insurance industries over what to do about climate change. I think we all know who won that encounter.

Now we are faced with rising insurance rates as companies attempt to compensate for losses in areas they cover that are more exposed to property losses due to climate change. Government "action" to help folks rebuild in the same areas is folly and distorts the free market. If you can't get insurance for areas that are prone to damage from climate change, no bank will finance it and you won't be constantly paying for rebuilds. If we continue to ignore this problem and let people rebuild in areas where the insurance industry doesn't think is viable, we doom ourselves to constantly financing rebuilds up to the point where we will bankrupt ourselves.

[RandySF]

1. Seems to me that constant rebuilding would lead to gentrification.

[Phoenix61]

4. It actually only takes one round of rebuilding.

The places that were cheap were old. They were not up to current building standards so they are more vulnerable and typically don’t withstand the winds. The rebuilds are always bigger, nicer and much more expensive. Housing for workers, everyone from teachers to waitress becomes a massive problem.

[IthinkThereforeIAM]

2. "...renews the question of whether it's appropriate to rebuild in some areas, experts told CNN"...

... I have been saying that for decades. Too the point of even writing to my congresscritter John Thune back in the early 1990's, saying, "one last chance, move out of the flood plain/landslide area with full reimubursement or never be able to make another claim if you rebuild in the same, repeatedly wiped out location".

[enid602]

5. stilts

Rebuild homes only if built on stilts.

[bucolic_frolic]

3. Every household needs to do their own risk assessment

Insurance and rebuilding costs may prove challenging or monumental at some point, soon. Escape plans need to be devised and discussed. There are essentials, there are also irreplaceables. Have a 30 minute, and a 2 hour, evacuation plan. Inventory your household - with lists and photos. Backup all you can. Photo albums under the bed are inadequate backup.

[Think. Again.]

6. The funny part is...

...they rebuild to construction standards established by the severity of the most recent storms but completely ignore all of the studies showing storm severity will continue to increase into the far future.

Silly humans.