Florida Case Study Shows Benefits of Hurricane Adaptation Efforts

A recent case study by Moody’s reveals that in locations like South Florida, meeting or surpassing evolving building codes can slash home damage costs almost tenfold.

In the face of increasingly expensive physical climate risks in urban areas, the need for adaptation measures that reduce susceptibility to hazard-based damage is more critical than ever. With climate change, the severity of hazards from hurricanes and sea-level rise is expected to rise. These hazards encompass high wind speeds, storm surges, associated flooding, and heavy precipitation.

The report noted that cities and governments have the option to safeguard coastal areas from hurricane-induced damage by investing in robust coastal defense infrastructure, including seawalls, levees, and storm surge barriers. While the initial construction and maintenance costs may be substantial, in the long run, the economic losses averted from property damage and business disruption render these adaptation measures economically viable.