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The politics of natural hazard preparedness and infrastructure: lessons for coastal climate adaptation public works
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  • D.J. Rasmussen,
  • Michael Oppenheimer,
  • Robert E Kopp,
  • Rachael Shwom
D.J. Rasmussen
Princeton University, Princeton University, Princeton University

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Michael Oppenheimer
Princeton U, Princeton U, Princeton U
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Robert E Kopp
Rutgers University, Rutgers University, Rutgers University
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Rachael Shwom
Rutgers University, Rutgers University, Rutgers University
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Abstract

Coastal climate adaptation public works, such as storm surge barriers and levees, are central elements of many strategies to limit damages from coastal storms and sea-level rise. Academic analysis of such public works projects is dominated by technocratic and engineering-driven frameworks. However, social conflict and politics have been crucial in the conception, design, and implementation of other public infrastructure and natural hazard preparedness projects. In this review, we highlight the role of interest mobilization, political motivations, siting opposition, and flexible/adaptive decision-making in both creating and overcoming political obstacles. Better understanding the social and political factors that enable or hinder the implementation of adaptation works could encourage strategies and policies that are less likely to result in deadlocks, delays, or failure, thus saving valuable time and planning resources.
Feb 2021Published in Earth's Future volume 9 issue 2. 10.1029/2020EF001575