Following the devastating hurricane seasons of 2004 and 2005, there were indications of dramatic changes in the market for commercial property insurance in the Gulf States, including skyrocketing insurance prices and difficulty finding adequate coverage. These changes had and continue to have crucial ramifications for the region2s economic recovery and ongoing economic vitality, which is why it is essential that the insurance system for commercial wind risk be assessed to see how it performed following Hurricane Katrina and to determine whether government programs and regulations related to wind risk insurance need to be changed. The authors provide an overview of the 2005 hurricane season2s impact on the commercial property insurance market in the Gulf States and the outlook for the future. They also propose three basic goals for a wind risk insurance system and examine some of the challenges involved in achieving these goals. Additionally, they recommend that the debate over any needed changes to government programs and policies include all stakeholders and be informed by further research and analysis in specific areas.

Hurricanes Katrina and Rita wreaked havoc on small businesses (SB) in the Gulf Coast, and much federal assistance has been provided to help these SB. This report described: (1) the amount of assistance provided to Gulf Coast SB through the SBA, HUD Community Development Block Grants (CDBG), and the EPA; (2) the extent to which Gulf Coast SB received fed. contract funds; and (3) the current state of and improvements in the region's economy. The report analyzed data on SBA and EDA loans and states' use of supplemental CDBG appropriations, data on prime and subcontracts awarded for hurricane recovery activities, and economic indicators both before and after the hurricanes. Charts and tables. This is a print on demand report.

It is widely accepted in the scientific community that climate change is a reality, and that changes are happening with increasing rapidity. In this second edition, leading climate researcher Barrie Pittock revisits the effects that global warming is having on our planet, in light of ever-evolving scientific research. Presenting all sides of the arguments about the science and possible remedies, Pittock examines the latest analyses of climate change, such as new and alarming observations regarding Arctic sea ice, the recently published IPCC Fourth Assessment Report, and the policies of the new Australian Government and how they affect the implementation of climate change initiatives. New material focuses on massive investments in large-scale renewables, such as the kind being taken up in California, as well as many smaller-scale activities in individual homes and businesses which are being driven by both regulatory and market mechanisms. The book includes extensive endnotes with links to ongoing and updated information, as well as some new illustrations. While the message is clear that climate change is here (and in some areas, might already be having disastrous effects), there is still hope for the future, and the ideas presented here will inspire people to take action. Climate Change: The Science, Impacts and Solutions is an important reference for students in environmental or social sciences, policy makers, and people who are genuinely concerned about the future of our environment.

The fields of insurance law and insurance economics have long and distinguished scholarly histories, but participants in the two disciplines have not always communicated well across academic silos. This Handbook encourages more policy-relevant insurance e