This podcast episode continues a series examining post-storm rebuilding efforts, focusing on New York and New Jersey after Superstorm Sandy and North Carolina after Helene. In New York and New Jersey, the recovery is uneven, with some areas elevated, some bought out by the government to return to nature, and others unchanged. The buyout program on Staten Island faces criticism as land intended for wetlands is being used for a soccer complex. There's a debate over whether to encourage rebuilding in vulnerable areas, balancing economic interests with safety. In North Carolina, focus is on the lack of updated flood maps and building standards, with concerns raised about the influence of the Home Builders Association on legislation that weakens building codes. The episode highlights the tension between affordability, development, and resilience in the face of increasing climate risks, underscored by the story of a couple who died in the storm.
