We were making some progress on climate-change adaptation…
““We were making some progress on climate-change adaptation in the late 1990s,” Klaus Jacob observed. “But September 11th set us back a decade on extreme-weather hazards, because we started focusing on a completely different set of threats.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The quote highlights how a major crisis can divert attention and resources away from ongoing efforts, delaying progress on other critical issues like climate adaptation.
In simple terms: Crises can shift focus, slowing other important work.
Stay aware of competing priorities and protect long‑term projects.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- government response
- public safety planning
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we safeguard essential initiatives during emergencies?
- What mechanisms keep adaptation on track?
The shift in focus may reduce momentum and funding for climate work.