Homeland Security Digital Library Blog writes about Kareem Chin’s ASP Climate Change: Coastal Flood Threat Report
The Homeland Security Digital Library, an online resource sponsored by the Naval Postgraduate School Center for Homeland Defense and Security and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s National Preparedness Directorate FEMA, has featured the American Security Project’s report, “Climate Change: Coastal Flood Threat” on their blog. Written by Kareem Chin, the August 2013 Fact Sheet highlights that the United States is only prepared to clean up after a flood and not manage or prevent them. The United States’ preparation is compared with the Netherlands, a nation that is famously prepared and experienced in managing flood waters.
One important factor discussed in the report is the U.S.’s lack of comprehensive levee management. The U.S. does not have a comprehensive approach, instead relying on states to maintain levees and pass local regulations, many of which are not monitored or tracked by the federal government. The Netherlands, on the other hand, has flooding safety measures with strict requirements depending on terrain and levee location. Dutch levees must also be able to withstand certain floods based on higher damage and/or loss potential in that location.
