The weather tax

In the short run, weather emergencies can create a boost in the economy. They put people to work, require new building, emergency action and investment.

But like a war, these boosts are only temporary. Over time, the work and cost of dealing with weather that doesn’t match our expectations produces a significant drag on all of us.

There are significant human costs, of course, but for the bloodless economist, the costs of missed shipments, expensive commutes and ongoing spending to simply maintain the status quo begin to wear down the engines that create value for us, and more important, for our children.

We all pay a tax for an endless cycle of unpredictable weather, and get little in return.