The Future Of Mega-Catastrophes In The U.S.

Can the United States expect a future filled with disasters on the order of Katrinas and Ritas? 'Are we prepared to lose a major city every year?'

1 minute read

October 6, 2005, 5:00 AM PDT

By Brenda Meyer

"Natural disaster in the United States has morphed to a dangerous new level. Some experts say the nation can expect to be pummeled by more of these mega-catastrophes over the next 20 or 30 years in a nasty conspiracy of unfavorable weather patterns, changing demographics and political denial.

...New Orleans and the Gulf Coast might even be a living laboratory for sustainable development and commerce that can withstand future calamities. For example, New Orleans' historic core might be reopened for tourism, but neighborhoods could be rebuilt on safer, firmer ground using more efficient 21st century technologies."

FULL STORY: Future: 'Are we prepared to lose a major city every year?'

Wednesday, October 5, 2005 in Chicago Sun-Times

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