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This is a beautiful example of why there is a natural frequency to preventable disasters. In the aftermath of a preventable disaster, there is will to implemen
by btilly 7y ago
This is a beautiful example of why there is a natural frequency to preventable disasters.
In the aftermath of a preventable disaster, there is will to implement policies and changes to prevent the next one. However the longer it has been since the last, or the safer things seem, the harder it is to maintain those policies. This slide will continue until disaster strikes. Which creates political will to avoid it.
A first disaster may be side by those with influence. But a series of them will undermine their excuses and eventually result in action. Action prevents disaster. Disaster prevention creates complacency and the cycle starts again.
There is no question that we have staved off infrastructure disaster for a long time. And it is just a question of time until the piper comes due...again.
- goler 7y agoI agree and an important question is what is a good strategy to mobilize action in advance of disaster. The news is full of warnings about impending disasters. (Most) people can't evaluate the relative risk of each of these events, so the natural response is to be overwhelmed and assume we will deal with it when/if it occurs. I don't know if it would have much of an effect on how inclined readers would be to act, but articles like this one would be a lot more compelling if they included real data that demonstrates NYC is at a greater risk than it has been in the past or than other similar cities around the world.