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FEMA Will Now Consider Climate Change When It Rebuilds After Floods

Summary

FEMA is revising its disaster rules to incorporate climate change impacts when rebuilding after floods. This change, following an executive order from President Biden, aims to end the costly cycle of rebuilding in unsafe areas by expanding the definition of floodplains to account for future risks. FEMA will now integrate climate science, including sea level rise and intensified erosion, into its flood risk assessments. The new standard, elevating buildings and fortifying structures, will potentially save taxpayer money and enhance community resilience. This overhaul marks a significant shift from relying on historical data, acknowledging the increasing severity of climate change.

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