Overview

Pairing in-depth journalism with historical perspectives, this book makes a compelling case for a natural solution to the growing problem of flooding. With Seek Higher Ground, environmental writer and former land-use planner Tim Palmer explores the legacy of flooding in America, taking a fresh look at the emerging climatic, economic, and ecological realities of our rivers and communities. Global warming is forecast to sharply intensify flooding, and this book urges that we reduce future damage in the most effective, efficient, and equitable ways possible. Through historical narrative, rigorous reporting, and decades of vivid personal experience, Palmer details how our society's approach to flood control has been infamously inadequate and chronically counterproductive. He builds a powerful argument for both the protection of floodplain open space and for programs that help people voluntarily relocate their homes away from high-water hazards. Only by recognizing the indomitable forces of nature—and adapting to them—can we thrive in the challenging climate to come.

Full Product Details

9780520382732

Table of Contents

Reviews

"“Nature writer Palmer (Endangered Rivers and the Conservation Movement) delivers an urgent warning about the perils of Americans’ penchant for living too close to rivers destined to unleash catastrophic flooding as Earth’s atmosphere warms and its rains intensify. . . . What’s most valuable here are the stories of lessons learned by individuals and communities who have taken steps to end the cycles of rebuilding in and near floodplains. It's an encouraging guidebook for community leaders and organizers looking for a sensible path forward."" * Publishers Weekly * ""A powerful argument for protection of floodplain open space and for programs that help people relocate their homes away from high-water hazards. Only by recognizing and adapting to the indomitable forces of nature can we thrive in the challenging climate to come."" * Climate and Capitalism * ""Readers will find the book compelling."" * Association of State Floodplain Managers * ""Palmer’s writing…is an urgent call for action starting with changes in our attitudes towards floods and flooding. The book is not all gloom and doom, however, because  Palmer makes a good case for positive actions that if taken now will pay off in the future, as the title of the book (Seek Higher Ground) indicates."" * the California WaterBlog *"

"“Nature writer Palmer (Endangered Rivers and the Conservation Movement) delivers an urgent warning about the perils of Americans’ penchant for living too close to rivers destined to unleash catastrophic flooding as Earth’s atmosphere warms and its rains intensify. . . . What’s most valuable here are the stories of lessons learned by individuals and communities who have taken steps to end the cycles of rebuilding in and near floodplains. It's an encouraging guidebook for community leaders and organizers looking for a sensible path forward."" * Publishers Weekly * ""A powerful argument for protection of floodplain open space and for programs that help people relocate their homes away from high-water hazards. Only by recognizing and adapting to the indomitable forces of nature can we thrive in the challenging climate to come."" * Climate and Capitalism *"

Author Information

Tim Palmer is an author and photographer of environmental issues, river conservation, nature, and adventure travel. His thirty-two books have won numerous awards. For the past five decades he has been professionally and personally involved in flooding and issues of floodplain management. See his work at www.timpalmer.org.

Tab Content 6

Customer Reviews

Recent Reviews

Countries Available