In the midst of the carnage and human suffering that follows natural disasters, we often hear local officials and citizens proclaim that "We will rebuild." Of course, such expressions of hope and courage help to deflect the pain that they are feeling. While the statement makes sense after tornados, which randomly scour the landscape, such plans are not always advisable when the disaster unfolded in wildfire zones, along vulnerable coastlines or on inland floodplains.
One understands the emotional wish to rebuild the past and to restore traditions but this approach is impractical in the era of climate change. Indeed, insurance companies, local governments and Federal agencies are becoming reluctant to fund such endeavors in high risk areas. Many of us who look on from a safe distance, divorced from the emotional turmoil, tend to agree that it is best to not risk a recurrence of the disaster.
When hurricanes level barrier islands, when wildfires ravage forest communities and when floods sweep away towns in river valleys, it is time to yield to nature. After all, we have fueled the devastation and it will only worsen in the coming decades.
