Disaster relief Quote by Jeff Goodell
““When I asked the mayor if flood insurance rates had gone up after Sandy, he said, “Not really.” This is how disaster relief works in America. There are lots of incentives to rebuild but few incentives to rebuild differently, much less to rethink the long-term future of cities and towns along the coast.””
About This Quote
Source Book: “The Water Will Come: Rising Seas, Sinking Cities, and the Remaking of the World” by Jeff Goodell, 2017
Disaster relief focuses on rebuilding the same, not on changing vulnerable infrastructure, leaving coastal communities at risk.
In simple terms: Relief rebuilds the same, not differently.
Key Takeaway
Push for resilient rebuilding.
Themes
environment
policy
urban planning
climate change
Mood
concerned
critical
Type
analytical
policy‑oriented
When to use this quote
- city zoning
- insurance reforms
- community advocacy
- government budgeting
Key Concepts
risk management
incentive structures
long‑term planning
Questions to Reflect On
- How can incentives be aligned for resilient design?
- What role should citizens play in demanding change?
A Different Perspective
Political and often resist costly changes.
