![]() In this chapter, we use the knowledge systems analysis framework as a lens to understand the social and technological challenges associated with coastal flood risk analysis, doing so with the objective of informing strategies and innovations needed to overcome those inadequacies. It is clear that an upgrade, or even a rethinking, is urgently needed in how the United States maps and communicates risks of coastal floods. Several studies report that population growth, gross domestic product (GDP), and climate change have all led to significant changes in flood exposure, and estimate that 41 million people-rather than the 13 million people shown in FEMA flood maps-live within the 100-year floodplain (Wing et al. National studies have shown that 25% of Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) flood claims lay outside of the FEMA 100-year flood zone (Blessing et al. Extreme events like Superstorm Sandy have revealed the inadequacies of how we calculate, map, and use knowledge about flood risks. One trillion dollars in United States’ coastal assets are currently vulnerable to coastal floods, and sea level rise threatens to expose 13 million people to flooding by 2100 (Reidmiller et al. The burgeoning development of coastal cities coupled with increasing exposure to sea level rise and extreme weather events has exacerbated the vulnerability of coastal communities and infrastructure to floods. Through this case study, we hope to demonstrate the value of knowledge systems analysis as a method to stress-test and identify the weaknesses of a knowledge system that warrant attention, as well as to inform potential methods ofupgrading or redesigning that system in support of building resilient cities. In 2012, Superstorm Sandy exposed in the national spotlight the shortcomings of how we calculate, map, and use knowledge about flood risk. ![]() In this chapter, we conduct a knowledge system analysis of FEMA’s Flood Insurance Rate Maps in New York City. We refer to knowledge systems as the organizational practices and routines that produce, validate and review, communicate, and use knowledge relevant to policy and decision-making. ![]() However, what counts as a good estimate of such risks is constructed through the design of a knowledge system that ratifies certain ideas and methods over others. In order to make good flood risk reduction and resilience decisions, cities are interested in gaining better insights into what are perceived to be the “real” risks of floods. In light of these proposed flood zone maps, Eco Brooklyn highly recommends that residents assess their new risk level and what preventative measures can be undertaken to ensure the future safety of their families.The burgeoning development of coastal cities coupled with increasing exposure to sea level rise and extreme weather events has exacerbated the vulnerability of coastal communities and infrastructure to floods. Total protection is not ensured, but the reduction of damage risk is the best that can be done for smaller residences where moving out is not an option, and elevating an entire house is too costly a measure. We encourage the cellar to be used largely for storage only and elevate all mechanical items such as the boiler to above the ground level. We therefore choose to build through processes that reduce water damage, such as waterproof installation and minimizing the use of sheetrock. Residences in flood prone areas are constructed with the expectation of flooding to the first floor. ![]() In the meantime, residents are already affected financially by increased insurance premium rates, and faced with the costly dilemma of raising their houses above the base flood elevation. As a green builder, Eco Brooklyn is involved in several projects focused on the effects of rising flood waters and nearby contamination. The recommendations include building seawalls and a protective “Seaport City” south of the Brooklyn Bridge. Proposed updated flood zone map, courtesy of Īt the city level, Mayor Bloomberg addressed the escalating risk of rising sea levels and powerful storm surge by proposing a $20 billion storm protection plan following the announcement of the newly proposed maps. These numbers are still proposed, and will take up to two years of reviews to become official, after which building regulations will be affected. FEMA reveiled updated flood zone maps two weeks ago, which doubles the previous estimated number of at risk New Yorkers to 400,000 residents and 70,000 buildings. ![]()
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