Policies to mitigate the damage from coastal natural disasters: preparing southeastern U.S. coastal communities

Abstract

The combination of densely populated areas, high-valued real estate, and physical vulnerability to severe storms has led to some of the costliest natural disasters in history. In light of concerns that global warming will increase the vulnerability of coastal areas, policy approaches that can encourage sustainable development and aid coastal zone management are important. Policies that protect natural defenses, direct development away from hazardous areas, enforce storm-resistant building codes, and remove perverse incentives, will promote sustainable communities in vulnerable coastal areas.