House of Cards: Florida and Property Insurance in the Age of Climate Change
America Adapts the Climate Change Podcast
Release Date: 07/29/2024
Fixing FEMA, Fixing HUD: A Former Insider on Disaster Recovery and Climate Adaptation
America Adapts the Climate Change Podcast
In episode of , host Doug Parsons speaks with , a nationally recognized leader in disaster recovery, resilience, and climate adaptation. With senior roles at FEMA and HUD during the Biden-Harris Administration—and a pivotal role in Louisiana’s post-Katrina recovery—Robin brings unmatched insight into how federal recovery systems work, and more importantly, how they fail. As the current administration actively undermines the government’s ability to prepare for and respond to climate disasters, Robin offers a frank assessment of what’s at stake and what a truly equitable,...
info_outline
What’s Brewing at America Adapts? Updates, Travels, and What’s Coming Next
America Adapts the Climate Change Podcast
In this short solo episode of , host Doug Parsons shares some behind-the-scenes updates on America Adapts. Doug reflects on the recent all-Spanish episode in partnership with World Wildlife Fund, recaps his visit to the Climate Connect conference in DC, and previews upcoming guests like Robin Keegan and Laurie Schoeman. He also shares details about his summer travels to the Managed Retreat Conference in New York and the Schoodic Institute in Maine. Plus, hear about an exciting new podcast series with the CO2 Foundation, a shoutout to professors planning their fall courses, and a quick...
info_outline
ManglarIA: Salvando la naturaleza con inteligencia artificial. Cómo WWF utiliza la IA para ayudar a los manglares a adaptarse
America Adapts the Climate Change Podcast
En el episodio 229 de , presentamos una edición especial del pódcast: nuestro primer episodio completamente en español. Este es un hito emocionante, ya que ampliamos el alcance del programa para llegar a audiencias hispanohablantes en todo el mundo. Este episodio retoma el trabajo innovador de la iniciativa ManglarIA del Fondo Mundial para la Naturaleza (WWF, por sus siglas en inglés), que en español significa “IA para los manglares”, un proyecto apoyado por Google.org, el brazo filantrópico de Google. La versión original en inglés de este episodio está disponible . ...
info_outline
Dismantling F.E.M.A. : The Unmaking of Federal Climate Resilience from the Inside Out with Victoria Salinas
America Adapts the Climate Change Podcast
In episode of , host Doug Parsons speaks with , Senior Fellow at the Climate Resilience Institute at the University of Miami and former Deputy Administrator for Resilience at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) under the Biden administration. Victoria shares her journey into federal service, including her decision to join FEMA at a critical juncture for the agency. She reflects on FEMA’s traditionally reactive role and her efforts to reshape it into a more proactive force for community resilience—breaking down silos, emphasizing equity, and building a culture focused on...
info_outline
The Wild, Wild West of Climate Modeling…Just Got Wilder
America Adapts the Climate Change Podcast
In episode of , we are re-releasing one of the more popular episodes of the podcast — my interview with , a law professor at Boston University. In our original conversation, we explored the critical role climate modeling plays in climate adaptation, including: what climate models can — and can’t — do; the concept of the “climate industrial complex”; legal liability for inaccurate climate projections and the role of climate analytics firms like First Street Foundation. When this episode first aired, there was still a general assumption that the federal government would...
info_outline
Foundations and Transformational Climate Adaptation: A Roadmap for Funders
America Adapts the Climate Change Podcast
In episode of , , a world leading expert in climate adaptation returns to discuss a new report she’s co-authored, . We explore how adaptation strategies have evolved—and why we need to shift from incremental approaches to truly transformational action. Susi makes a compelling case for “multisolving”—tackling climate, social, and economic challenges together—and outlines the urgent need for better coordination, deeper investment, and a more justice-oriented approach to resilience. We talk about the funding gaps holding this work back, the untapped role of the private sector,...
info_outline
Climate Change, Real Estate, and Adaptation: Why Flood Disclosure Matters with NRDC
America Adapts the Climate Change Podcast
In episode of , we explore flood risk disclosure—a simple yet powerful climate adaptation tool that helps homebuyers avoid financial disaster while building more resilient communities. As climate change worsens flooding and federal support for resilience efforts declines, some states are stepping up with smart policies to protect homeowners before disaster strikes. I’m joined by from the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) to discuss the push for stronger flood disclosure laws, plus a homeowner who learned the hard way what happens when flood risks aren’t disclosed. We’ll also...
info_outline
Climate Migrants Are Real—Now What?
America Adapts the Climate Change Podcast
In episode of we’re diving into climate change and human mobility—how rising seas, extreme weather, and disasters are forcing communities to relocate and what that means for policy and planning. Joining the podcast is , who’s helping lead a new webinar series (where America Adapts was the moderator) on this topic with CCST (California Council on Science and Technology), the , and the . We’ll talk about how cities can prepare for climate-driven displacement, how researchers can better engage with policymakers, and what lessons we can take from California’s leadership in...
info_outline
Reducing Disaster Risk: The Workforce of the Future
America Adapts the Climate Change Podcast
In episode of , we explore disaster resilience and climate adaptation through four expert interviews. We start with of WWF’s (EDM) program who kicks things off by sharing the program’s 20-year journey integrating nature into disaster risk management. Then, critiques large-scale flood control in Ellicott City, Maryland, advocating for community-driven solutions. Next, , founder of ResilireD, shares insights into post-disaster housing recovery and the need for professionalized shelter reconstruction. Finally, Achala Navaratne from the American Red Cross, highlights the role of...
info_outline
From Risk to Resilience: Wildfires and the Insurance Industry’s Climate Reckoning
America Adapts the Climate Change Podcast
In episode of , I sit down with , a leading expert in climate risk and insurance, to explore the transformative potential of 'Insurance for Good.' We discuss how climate change is not only intensifying risks like wildfires in California but also driving radical changes to insurance markets worldwide. Carolyn shares insights on how the industry can respond to these challenges by closing protection gaps, incentivizing resilience, and creating innovative solutions to build more climate-resilient communities. It's a timely and critical conversation at the intersection of insurance, wildfires,...
info_outlineIn episode 210 of America Adapts, Dr. Carolyn Kousky, Associate Vice President for Economics and Policy at the Environmental Defense Fund, returns to discuss the climate challenges in Florida's property insurance market. She outlines how Florida faces significant economic risks due to hurricanes and other disasters, with 36 presidential disaster declarations since 2000. The episode delves into the complexities of the state's insurance system, focusing on three key programs: Citizens Property Insurance Corporation, the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund, and the Florida Insurance Guarantee Association. Dr. Kousky addresses the reliance on smaller insurance companies; the critical role of reinsurance; and the impact of climate change on insurance pricing and availability. Doug and Carolyn have a broader conversation about the insanity of the Florida system of the existing property insurance market and how it could lead to price gouging for Florida citizens living in less at risk areas of the state. Also, the ‘hot take’ for this episode!
Topics covered:
- Evolution of Florida's Property Insurance Approach
- State Programs Providing Insurance in Florida
- The Role of Reinsurers and Insurance Companies
- Transparency in Catastrophe Modeling in Florida
- Impact of Sea Level Rise on Florida's Insurance Market
- Cross-subsidies and Assessments in Florida's Insurance Market
- Climate Equity and Fair Pricing in Florida's Insurance Market
- Balancing Risk Reduction and Insurance Access
- Price gouging inland communities to subsidize coastal communities’ insurance rates
- Guest Recommendation: Jessica Dandridge, Water Collaborative of Greater New Orleans
Transcript of episode available here.
Quotes from the episode:
Dr. Carolyn Kousky:
Politically, there's often an appetite to just ignore the risk and not address it because addressing it can be hard and might be costly, but failing to address it is also setting us up for much higher future costs.
…we need to view the crisis in our insurance markets as a signal for how high risk is, and that we have to invest aggressively and quickly in much more climate adaptation in order to lower that risk to a manageable level…
Doug Parsons:
Climate change is like gravity. … there's no arguing with it. It's just going to happen.
…but you are living in Gainesville, you're being responsible, you haven't gone to the coast. Isn't raising that person's rate a form of price gouging because you don't have as much risk and yet they're raising your rate , that's price gouging.
Previous Episodes with Dr. Carolyn Kousky
New Tools for a More Resilient Future with Dr. Carolyn Kousky
Risky Business: Adapting Insurance Markets to Wildfire and Flood Risk with Dr. Carolyn Kousky
Check out the America Adapts Media Kit here!
Subscribe to the America Adapts newsletter here.
Links in this episode:
The Evolution of Florida’s Public-Private Approach to Property Insurance
https://floridapolicyproject.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/FINAL_Florida-Insurance-Market-Report.pdf
https://earth.org/why-we-need-to-fix-disaster-insurance-markets/
https://www.edf.org/people/carolyn-kousky
Listen to America Adapts on your favorite app here!
Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter:
https://www.facebook.com/americaadapts/
@usaadapts
https://www.linkedin.com/in/doug-parsons-america-adapts/
Donate to America Adapts
Follow on Apple Podcasts
Follow on Android
Doug Parsons and Speaking Opportunities:
If you are interested in having Doug speak at corporate and conference events, sharing his unique, expert perspective on adaptation in an entertaining and informative way, more information can be found here!
Now on Spotify!
List of Previous Guests on America Adapts
Follow/listen to podcast on Apple Podcasts.
Donate to America Adapts, we are now a tax deductible charitable organization!
Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco
Strategies to Address Climate Change Risk in Low- and Moderate-income Communities - Volume 14, Issue 1
https://www.frbsf.org/community-development/publications/community-development-investment-review/2019/october/strategies-to-address-climate-change-low-moderate-income-communities/
Podcasts in the Classroom – Discussion guides now available for the latest episode of America Adapts. These guides can be used by educators at all levels. Check them out here!
The 10 Best Sustainability Podcasts for Environmental Business Leaders
https://us.anteagroup.com/news-events/blog/10-best-sustainability-podcasts-environmental-business-leaders
The best climate change podcasts on The Climate Advisor
http://theclimateadvisor.com/the-best-climate-change-podcasts/
7 podcasts to learn more about climate change and how to fight it
https://kinder.world/articles/you/7-podcasts-to-learn-more-about-climate-change-and-how-to-fight-it-19813
Directions on how to listen to America Adapts on Amazon Alexa
America Adapts also has its own app for your listening pleasure! Just visit the App store on Apple or Google Play on Android and search “America Adapts.”
Join the climate change adaptation movement by supporting America Adapts! Please consider supporting this podcast by donating through America Adapts fiscal sponsor, the Social Good Fund. All donations are now tax deductible!
For more information on this podcast, visit the website at http://www.americaadapts.org and don't forget to subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts.
Podcast Music produce by Richard Haitz Productions
Write a review on Apple Podcasts !
America Adapts on Facebook!
Join the America Adapts Facebook Community Group.
Check us out, we’re also on YouTube!
Executive Producer Dr. Jesse Keenan
Subscribe to America Adapts on Apple Podcasts
Doug can be contacted at americaadapts @ g mail . com