Mega-cities like New York and Bangkok are threatened by a series of unusual phenomena: subsidence of soils, rising sea levels, and increasing frequency of extreme climatic events and urbanization. All of these lead to an increase in floods. Considering that science can anticipate dangers and suggest protections, why do such disasters occur so often? Can they be avoided?

Mega-cities like New York and Bangkok are threatened by a series of unusual phenomena: subsidence of soils, rising sea levels, and increasing frequency of extreme climatic events and urbanization. All of these lead to an increase in floods. Considering that science can anticipate dangers and suggest protections, why do such disasters occur so often? Can they be avoided?