The Future Of U.S. Levees Involves A Lot Of Hard Decisions

The video discusses the recurring issues of floods and levee failures, highlighting the flaws in the US levee system. It addresses the economic and political challenges in managing flood risks, emphasizing the need for updated data and funding. The video also explores strategies for managing flood risks and protecting communities, particularly focusing on the impact on rural areas and the need for political will and financial resources to address these challenges effectively.

What is a major concern for people living near rivers regarding levees?

• They are too expensive to maintain.

• They fail repeatedly, causing loss of confidence.

• They are built too high.

• They are not environmentally friendly.

According to Dr. J David Rogers, what is a significant flaw in the US River levee system?

• It is not adaptable to urban areas.

• It is too complex to manage.

• It was designed without adequate data.

• It is too costly to maintain.

What is a major challenge in upgrading the levee system?

• Lack of public interest.

• Insufficient technology.

• Outdated laws and data.

• Environmental concerns.

What is a key issue in managing flood risks?

• Deciding who receives funding.

• Building taller levees.

• Relocating urban populations.

• Increasing agricultural land.

What has FEMA been trying to do since the 1993 flood?

• Build new levees.

• Move rural dwellers out of floodplains.

• Develop new flood prediction models.

• Increase funding for repairs.

What is a significant factor complicating flood management decisions?

• The lack of international cooperation.

• The scarcity of construction materials.

• The need to pick winners and losers.

• The unpredictability of weather patterns.

What is a common reaction of people living in disaster-prone areas?

• They demand more government intervention.

• They often relocate to safer areas.

• They tend to rebuild and stay.

• They invest in personal flood defenses.