Low-Cost Solutions Can Bolster Climate Resilience

For countries unable to consider multi-billion dollar infrastructure projects to protect their coastal communities, Judith Rodin says there is hope in some of the low-cost solutions that proved effective in reducing the damage from Sandy. For her, "what stands out from New York City's preparedness are not the expensive investments in hard infrastructure like sea walls, but rather a collection of softer measures focused on effective institutional coordination, rapid and accurate information sharing and timely decision making."

Examples include the closing down of bridges and tunnels before they were flooded and preparation of the subway and electrical systems for rebooting after the storm passed.  

"As debris is cleared from New York's subway tunnels, millions regain power and the billions of dollars in damages are quantified," says Rodin, "let us ensure that the lessons of Sandy's pounding are recalled across the developing world, where rapidly growing cities are even more vulnerable and where the need for action is urgent."