Flood risk mapping is a public good, so why the public resistance in Canada? Lessons from Nova Scotia

illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on The Conversation or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: Canada's effort to introduce a public flood risk mapping portal faces public resistance, notably due to concerns about the impact on real estate values

🔭 The context: Despite the recognized importance of flood risk maps for public safety and climate adaptation, Canadian provinces and municipalities have a fragmented approach, with many maps outdated or difficult to interpret

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Effective flood risk management is crucial for protecting ecosystems, infrastructure, and communities, especially in regions like Nova Scotia, facing significant sea-level rise due to climate change

⏭️ What's next: Overcoming public resistance requires improving the public's understanding of flood risks and demonstrating the collective benefits of accurate, accessible mapping for climate adaptation and property protection

📈 One stat: In Nova Scotia, one in six people in a 2021 survey and one in three in a 2022 survey expressed concern about flood risk mapping affecting real estate values

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