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In recent years natural disasters have highlighted the dangers of living along the coast in a time of rising sea levels and unpredictable weather. People with homes on the coast face a difficult decision as their homes lose value. Should they try and sell their homes and move, or stay and hope for the best? State governments and environmental groups are increasingly supporting people moving away, so that land can be reclaimed as a storm buffer. Listen to this public radio story to hear from homeowners who are in this difficult position.
Civics/Government Climate Change Economics Earth and Space Science
Story Length: 4:42
© 2014 National Public Radio, Inc. Used with the permission of NPR. All rights reserved.
AIR DATE: 09/19/2014
October 7, 2014
5:46
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In the last century, the coastline of Louisiana’s Lower Mississippi Delta has experienced an enormous loss of land. From man made levees, to hurricanes, to oil spills, the coastline and it’s communities have been negatively affected. In today’s public radio story as we hear from a fishing guide who has lived and worked in the area for 34 years. Listen to learn more about the societal impact of coastal erosion.
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The federal government provides discount flood insurance. But after paying out many insurance claims in flood prone areas, the program is deeply in debt. So in 2012 Congress raised the flood insurance rates. But there was such an uproar that now Congress wants to roll back the increase. Listen to this story about the complex obligations behind flood insurance.
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