“Spend Now, Save Later” – Countries Should Start Fighting Climate Floods

A new global online tool has shown how investments in flood protection could save a lot of money and lives in the long term, so researchers are urging high-risk regions to invest now in dikes and other protective measures.

For example, India could by 2050 save about $250 in the future per each dollar spent now on measures that reduce the chances of flooding, says Betsy Otto of the World Resources Institute, from every 11 years to every 25. Bangladesh could similarly save around $125 per dollar spent on dikes to reduce flood risk from once every three years to once every ten, also within three decades.

“It’s a huge return, and it creates jobs and adds to local economies,” says Otto, who led development of Aqueduct, a water risk assessment and mapping tool which has now expanded to allow countries to evaluate coastal and river flooding risks as well as possible solutions.

Asia is at high risk of coastal and river flooding, but other regions – including in the United States, the Netherlands and Germany, also face increasing threats of costly flood damages. “This isn’t just about countries that are poorer and haven’t been able to make infrastructure investments. Richer countries with really valuable infrastructure also need to be taking action,” adds Otto, urging government and businesses to invest in protections now before risks continue to surge.