How the Big U Will Protect the Big Apple

Abstract In October 2012, Superstorm Sandy hit New York City, causing more than $70 billion in damages and lost economic activity in the United States—about $19 billion to New York City alone. It was a wake-up call for New York City with its 520 miles worth of waterfront, which is longer than Miami, Boston, Los Angeles, and San Francisco combined. To avoid becoming awash in the ocean, the city would need to protect itself against another record-breaking and deadly storm surge.