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So let's talk Miami and national security as Miami's Mayor Suarez suggests...
The US Dept of Commerce argues that:
"Economic security is national security"
"Extreme weather...also challenges national security" https://www.commerce.gov/about/strategic-plan/strengthen-us-economic-and-national-security
The US Dept of Commerce argues that:
"Economic security is national security"
"Extreme weather...also challenges national security" https://www.commerce.gov/about/strategic-plan/strengthen-us-economic-and-national-security
To be clear, Miami is not all of Miami-Dade County. And, Miami Beach is not Miami.
Not all of South Florida is South Beach.
No.
"Miami" is a complex urban space of nearly 3 million people bringing us such disparate amusements as 2 Live Crew and Ultra.
Not all of South Florida is South Beach.
No.
"Miami" is a complex urban space of nearly 3 million people bringing us such disparate amusements as 2 Live Crew and Ultra.
Currently, housing development and sales is hot. Really hot. And this is despite lumber being at record highs.
In my experience, times are good for many when real estate does well. So, we (most at least) tend to look the other way as communities grow. https://fortune.com/2021/04/27/lumber-prices-are-up-232-and-it-could-spiral-out-of-control-in-the-next-few-months/
In my experience, times are good for many when real estate does well. So, we (most at least) tend to look the other way as communities grow. https://fortune.com/2021/04/27/lumber-prices-are-up-232-and-it-could-spiral-out-of-control-in-the-next-few-months/
Florida's GDP is a bit over a trillion dollars.
Miami-Dade's GDP accounts for about 16% of the state's. The whole of "South Florida" (somewhat of a fuzzy term) accounts for 1/3 of the state's GDP.
http://edr.state.fl.us/Content/presentations/economic/FlEconomic&RevenueUpdate_1-14-21.pdf
Miami-Dade's GDP accounts for about 16% of the state's. The whole of "South Florida" (somewhat of a fuzzy term) accounts for 1/3 of the state's GDP.
http://edr.state.fl.us/Content/presentations/economic/FlEconomic&RevenueUpdate_1-14-21.pdf
About 30% of Miami-Dade's GDP is rooted in construction, real estate and associated financing including insurance.
I've seen estimates that these sectors are about 40% of county GDP depending on what you include in the calculation.
Below is BEA data for 2019
I've seen estimates that these sectors are about 40% of county GDP depending on what you include in the calculation.
Below is BEA data for 2019
Florida is the fourth largest state economy in the nation.
So, apparently, as a matter of national security it's in no one's interest to let South Florida's real estate based economy tank.
(Hence the acrobatics over windstorm cover)
So, apparently, as a matter of national security it's in no one's interest to let South Florida's real estate based economy tank.
(Hence the acrobatics over windstorm cover)
Similar stories can be told around the country, particularly along the coasts.
In Wilmington, NC, these industries account for ~30% of county GDP, but 2% of state GDP. And NC GDP is about half that of Florida ranking 11th in the US
https://www.ncdemography.org/2019/10/10/these-nc-counties-are-experiencing-the-largest-population-gains-from-net-migration/
In Wilmington, NC, these industries account for ~30% of county GDP, but 2% of state GDP. And NC GDP is about half that of Florida ranking 11th in the US
https://www.ncdemography.org/2019/10/10/these-nc-counties-are-experiencing-the-largest-population-gains-from-net-migration/
I hear all day about the negative consequences of coastal urbanization:
stormwater runoff pollution, flooding, ecosystem degradation, loss of local cultures, etc.
But these concerns are often couched in climate change and overlook the economic driver. https://twitter.com/JessicaWeinkle/status/1386744822871044103
stormwater runoff pollution, flooding, ecosystem degradation, loss of local cultures, etc.
But these concerns are often couched in climate change and overlook the economic driver. https://twitter.com/JessicaWeinkle/status/1386744822871044103
The discussion about coastal resilience, "overdevelopment," dealing with SLR and the like falls short of providing real options for a workable replacement of 30%+ of the US economy.
This is a real challenge- not unlike developing the technologies needed for a CO2 free energy system.
An added challenge is that I don't build value in my car.
I build value in my house.
An added challenge is that I don't build value in my car.
I build value in my house.
Miami's $4 billion bonds for stormwater and SLR control is just the beginning.
Because, you see, it's a matter of national security.
Because, you see, it's a matter of national security.
