An Ocean Blueprint for the 21st Century - California Ocean ...

CHAPTER 10GUARDING PEOPLE AND PROPERTYAGAINST NATURAL HAZARDSRising populations and poorly planned development in coastal areas are increasingthe vulnerability of people and property to storms, hurricanes, flooding, shorelineerosion, tornadoes, tsunamis, and earthquakes. In addition, climate change maylead to more frequent storms and sea-level rise, both of which increase coastalsusceptibility. Not only can natural hazards have devastating impacts onpeople and property, but they may also have deleterious effects on theenvironment, particularly sensitive habitats.To lessen the threat from natural hazards, the federal governmentshould coordinate the efforts of all coastal management agencies toreduce inappropriate incentives created by federal infrastructureinvestments. It should also improve a number of natural hazardsrelatedactivities implemented by the Federal EmergencyManagement Agency, including hazards mitigation planning,information collection and dissemination, and the National FloodInsurance Program.Assessing the Growing Costof Natural HazardsThe nation has experienced enormous and growing losses fromnatural hazards. Conservative estimates, including only directcosts such as those for structural replacement and repair, put the nationwidelosses from all natural hazards at more than $50 billion a year, thoughsome experts believe this figure represents only half or less of the true costs. 1More accurate figures for national losses due to natural hazards are unavailablebecause the United States does not consistently collect and compile such data, letalone focus on specific losses in coastal areas. Additionally, there are no estimates of thecosts associated with destruction of natural environments. Between 1967 and 1996, insurancepayouts (which cover only a small portion of losses) rose steadily from $1 billionbetween 1967 and 1971, to $61 billion between 1992 and 1996, roughly doubling everyfive years (Figure 10.1). 2 While stricter building codes, improved forecasts, and earlywarning systems have helped save lives, deaths from natural hazards are expected to risealong with development and population along the nation’s coasts. 3 Climate change mayincrease storms and sea-level rise, making the coastal zone even more vulnerable.162 A N O CEAN B LUEPRINT FOR THE 21ST C ENTURY