A Review of Cost Estimates for Flood Adaptation

Abstract

Floods are the most devastating of global natural disasters, and flood adaptation measures are needed to reduce future risk. Researchers have started to evaluate the costs and benefits of flood adaptation, but information regarding the cost of different flood adaptation measures is often not available or is hidden in non-peer-reviewed literature. Recent review studies have explored cost estimates for different aspects of flood adaptation, such as nature-based solutions. This study aims to contribute empirical data regarding the cost of flood adaptation by compiling peer-reviewed literature and research reports. The focus is on construction costs and expenses for operation and maintenance. This paper integrates the unit cost information of six main flood adaptation measure categories: (1) the flood-proofing of buildings, (2) flood protection, (3) beach nourishment and dunes, (4) nature-based solutions for coastal ecosystems, (5) channel management and nature-based solutions for riverine systems, and (6) urban drainage. Cost estimates are corrected for inflation and converted to U.S. dollars (2016). Measures are described, and cost figures for both developed and developing countries are provided. The results of this study can be used as input for economic-assessment studies on flood adaptation measures.

The behavioral turn in flood risk management, its assumptions and potential implications

“…Aerts () reviews cost estimates for property‐level adaptation finding costs for average residential buildings. In order to present a range similar in context to Kreibich et al () the costs from Germany, United States, and United Kingdom are summarized.…”

“…In order to present a range similar in context to Kreibich et al () the costs from Germany, United States, and United Kingdom are summarized. Aerts () finds estimates for dry flood proofing at between US$9200 and US$24000 and wet flood‐proofing at US$2400–US$23000…”

Communicating (nature‐based) flood‐mitigation schemes using flood‐excess volume

“…Economic data were gathered from local past works, land‐acquisition operations, and existing literature (Aerts, ; CASA, ; Igigabel et al, ; Langumier et al, ) to instigate quantification of cost‐effectiveness analyses (Table ). In the absence of data, this analysis cannot yet be done on Biot's downstream section threatening Antibes.…”

Sea-level rise and human migration

“…zone 145 to reduce negative SLR-related hazards that drive migration. Accommodation strategies include elevating homes and structures 55,155,156 , flood proofing 157 , managing land use, deploying flood warnings and pumps 158 , changing groundwater-extraction techniques 145 or elevating roads. Many port cities' coastal management plans already contain provisions to accommodate higher water levels 155 , such as coastal buffer zones in Ghana 159 or multi-tiered terraces in Mokpo, Korea 160 .…”

“…Many port cities' coastal management plans already contain provisions to accommodate higher water levels 155 , such as coastal buffer zones in Ghana 159 or multi-tiered terraces in Mokpo, Korea 160 . Much like costs for protection, those associated with accommodation can be high 157 , but remain lower than extensive protection. Thus, accommodation seems to be the most feasible adaptation measure 154 , as demonstrated by its already widespread adoption across the world 55,144,161,162 .…”