A study reveals that social ties influence flood insurance uptake after major hurricanes, highlighting the role of social learning in climate preparedness.
Researchers analyzed flood insurance trends post-Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, using the Facebook Social Connectedness Index.
Areas with strong social ties to flooded regions saw significant increases in new flood insurance policies.
The study suggests leveraging social learning to enhance climate change awareness and mitigation efforts.
Key quote:
"Our evidence of social learning suggests that a short episode of a regional climate disaster can stimulate persistent adaptation behavior in the entire social network up to 3 years after the disaster."
— Study authors
Why this matters:
These findings suggest that individuals are more likely to secure flood insurance if they observe friends, family, or neighbors doing so, emphasizing the influence of social learning on climate preparedness. As flooding risks rise, leveraging social connections could boost community resilience and adaptation.
The NWT government says this year's pledge to cover repair costs for flooded homes won't be repeated, in part as homes at risk are being raised and relocated.
Increased precipitation resulting partially from climate change has caused an additional $2.5 billion a year in U.S. flood damage, according to a new study that pinpoints the effect of changing weather on the cost of natural disasters.
