Hurricane Sandy: Using Environmental History, Economics, Politics and Urban Planning to Prepare For the Next One

Hurricane Sandy, a category 1 storm by the time it reached the North East coast of the United States, was a disaster that devastated all of those in its path. The physical effects of the hurricane, which hit the East coast of the United States on October 29, 2012, were felt by 15 states. The most devastating outcome in the aftermath of the storm was the death toll that numbered over 100 people. The shock from the disturbing effects of this storm was extremely unsettling, and unfortunately those who were affected by it will continue to suffer from these consequences for a long time to come. Unfortunately there is a strong likelihood that tropical storms, such as Sandy, will become more frequent as a result of climate change. This is concern to government officials and people living in vulnerable areas. While the initial devastation of this natural disaster, such as loss of life and property, is difficult to come to terms with by those affected, so are some of other imminent issues that are exposed in the aftermath of the destruction. Issues that need to be addressed by our public officials post Hurricane Sandy are how to deal with extreme negative impacts on the economy, new and proper policies that will protect the public in the future, and the need for a reevaluation of geographic sites and urban planning in these areas. Government planning on these issues will better protect the public against future natural disasters