Maggie's Farm

Flood Insurance

Pennywit revisits the issue, one which always deserves revisiting. Morgagees must always have it - what bank would not insist? There is a larger question: Why do local governments permit building on flood plains and coastlines where flooding is certain? Well, we know the answer: It's about development and real estate. My opinion: I hate the idea that my taxes might be subsidizing insurance that permits people to live in zones where commercial insurors are unwilling to assume the risk. In the part of Cape Cod that I tend to visit, we see houses disappear into the ocean every winter. There's an expression: "Cape Cod Real Estate - Going Fast." The Atlantic is eroding the shoreline at an average of 3 feet per year. Got to accept nature's power.

A Link between Warming and Hurricanes?

Nope, reports Grist magazine hurricane expert.