flooding

Is Building in Floodplains a Good Idea?

“Where will we put the next million people moving to Puget Sound?” I was asked this question recently by a business lobbyist concerned that new floodplain protection requirements would make … Read more

Post-Sandy: Working with Nature to Keep Us Safe

Like many children who grew up in the Philadelphia area, I spend my summers going (as we say in Philly) “down the shore.” For me that meant the town of … Read more

Thoughts on A New Normal

I attended the Aspen Environmental Forum this past weekend, bringing together a mixture of scientists, policy makers and business leaders who all care deeply about the environment. This year the … Read more

Rising Waters: Climate Change and Flooding in the Pacific Northwest

Climate change will have many different impacts on the Pacific Northwest. It is imperative that we recognize these effects and change the way we interact with our planet in order … Read more

Moving People out of Floodplains to Protect Them and Wildlife

Rising Water At first the rains come as a light drizzle, tapping out a soothing melody on rooftops and windowpanes. Soon the tempo quickens to a loud drum beat of … Read more

Development in Floodplains – bad for people and wildlife

It is a story told throughout the world; the once docile and tame river rising from its banks to spill out over the surrounding area in a torrent of muddy … Read more

The Seattle Rain: A Love/Hate Relationship

  Growing up in Seattle I grew to have a love of the rain. Many of my childhood memories are in one way or another associated with rain. From laying … Read more

Subsidizing Danger and Killing Fish–It Ain’t Smart! Encouraging Building in Floodplains Is Dopey

Building in floodplains is very bad for salmon (and lots of other wildlife).  It takes away the habitat they need to survive.  And that is bad for people.  It also … Read more

Climate Capsule: Pipelines, Plug-ins, & Public Comments on Pollution

This week’s stories: Highlight of the Week: NWF Reminds House, Pipelines Dangerous Quote: Bill McKibben Economic Story of the Week: Plug it In Editorial of the Week: The Risks of … Read more

Calling for a SmarterSafer National Flood Insurance Program

As we begin to assess the damage from some of the most severe flooding since 1927, it is critical that Congress not miss this opportunity to substantially reform the NFIP … Read more