The impact of short-term weather variations on the valuation of local stormwater management projects

Introduction

Do recent weather conditions affect the community’s willingness to pay for the benefits associated with local stormwater management projects? For example, is the public willing to pay more for flood protection following a period of heavy rain? Does it place a greater value on urban cooling after a heatwave? In an important finding for policymakers, a recent study suggests that the public’s valuation of environmental services is affected by short-term variations in weather conditions.