Caution: Living in New Orleans Is Hazardous to Your Health: So Is Everywhere Else in the United States
10 Pages Posted: 13 Dec 2016
Date Written: December 9, 2016
Abstract
The Geological and Meteorological Risks of Living in the United States:
It is impossible to find a livable locale in the United States that is free from earthquakes, flooding, hurricanes, landslides, tornadoes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, wildfires, or windstorms. Thus, we take steps in many instances to minimize the risks, such as through structural improvements like levees, or warning systems as in Tornado Alley, and response efforts.
The preventative steps will not always be effective, and with respect to risks such as earthquakes and hurricanes, have design limits as well. We should not therefore delude ourselves in thinking of absolute safety, but on the other hand, we should not forgive negligence that coalesces with natural risks to magnify the impacts and damages.
Keywords: Geological Hazards, Meterological Hazards, Natural Disasters, Natural Risks, New Orleans, Hurricanes, Earthquakes, Negligence
JEL Classification: H12, K10, K32
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation