Steve Koller
@stevekoller.bsky.social
Postdoctoral Fellow in Climate and Housing at Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies. Researching natural hazard risk mitigation, insurance, decarbonization, related policy.
https://jchs.harvard.edu
https://jchs.harvard.edu
Pinned
Steve Koller
@stevekoller.bsky.social
· Apr 14
Vehicle flood damage and household disaster assistance in the United States
Vehicles are the most commonly-owned nonfinancial asset in the United States (US) and represent a relatively high share of net worth for low-wealth households. Despite rising flood exposure from urba...
onlinelibrary.wiley.com
After a recent storm, perhaps you've seen a photo of a car underwater and wondered what happens to the car and the owner? In a new paper titled "Vehicle flood damage and household disaster assistance in the US," I take a look into this issue. onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/... 🧵(1/6)
Reposted by Steve Koller
Franz Josef Glacier - Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere
ca 1867 | 2022
Impressive comparison between the first known photograph taken of one of the most iconic NZ glaciers and current situation! 🧊🔥
The rock on the right is Sentinel Rock, one of the roches moutonnées in the glacier forefield
1/
ca 1867 | 2022
Impressive comparison between the first known photograph taken of one of the most iconic NZ glaciers and current situation! 🧊🔥
The rock on the right is Sentinel Rock, one of the roches moutonnées in the glacier forefield
1/
November 23, 2025 at 6:07 PM
Franz Josef Glacier - Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere
ca 1867 | 2022
Impressive comparison between the first known photograph taken of one of the most iconic NZ glaciers and current situation! 🧊🔥
The rock on the right is Sentinel Rock, one of the roches moutonnées in the glacier forefield
1/
ca 1867 | 2022
Impressive comparison between the first known photograph taken of one of the most iconic NZ glaciers and current situation! 🧊🔥
The rock on the right is Sentinel Rock, one of the roches moutonnées in the glacier forefield
1/
Reposted by Steve Koller
Philip Mulder and I are excited to share a major update to our working paper, "Property Insurance and Disaster Risk: New Evidence from Mortgage Escrow Data," with NYT coverage and making our data publicly available!
www.nber.org/papers/w32579
(1/n)
www.nber.org/papers/w32579
(1/n)
Property Insurance and Disaster Risk: New Evidence from Mortgage Escrow Data
Founded in 1920, the NBER is a private, non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to conducting economic research and to disseminating research findings among academics, public policy makers, an...
www.nber.org
November 19, 2025 at 5:17 PM
Philip Mulder and I are excited to share a major update to our working paper, "Property Insurance and Disaster Risk: New Evidence from Mortgage Escrow Data," with NYT coverage and making our data publicly available!
www.nber.org/papers/w32579
(1/n)
www.nber.org/papers/w32579
(1/n)
Reposted by Steve Koller
Happy #MapMonday! Net migration in rural areas surged during the pandemic—and remains high. In many of these communities, migration is offsetting steep natural loss. See where in the dark green on the map, and read more in my new @harvard-jchs.bsky.social blog: www.jchs.harvard.edu/blog/post-pa....
November 17, 2025 at 2:35 PM
Happy #MapMonday! Net migration in rural areas surged during the pandemic—and remains high. In many of these communities, migration is offsetting steep natural loss. See where in the dark green on the map, and read more in my new @harvard-jchs.bsky.social blog: www.jchs.harvard.edu/blog/post-pa....
Reposted by Steve Koller
Acting FEMA chief out after short, troubled tenure
Acting FEMA chief out after short, troubled tenure
Hours before his resignation became public Monday, David Richardson told POLITICO's E&E News that "I have no idea what you're talking about."
dlvr.it
November 17, 2025 at 7:11 PM
Acting FEMA chief out after short, troubled tenure
Had a fantastic time at #APPAM2025 in Seattle! Great conference, excited for next year’s Fall Research Conference in Boston.
Yesterday I had the opportunity to moderate a roundtable titled “The Frontiers of Natural Hazard Risk Management Data” with an outstanding panel. Learned a ton from…(1/4)
Yesterday I had the opportunity to moderate a roundtable titled “The Frontiers of Natural Hazard Risk Management Data” with an outstanding panel. Learned a ton from…(1/4)
November 16, 2025 at 9:07 PM
Had a fantastic time at #APPAM2025 in Seattle! Great conference, excited for next year’s Fall Research Conference in Boston.
Yesterday I had the opportunity to moderate a roundtable titled “The Frontiers of Natural Hazard Risk Management Data” with an outstanding panel. Learned a ton from…(1/4)
Yesterday I had the opportunity to moderate a roundtable titled “The Frontiers of Natural Hazard Risk Management Data” with an outstanding panel. Learned a ton from…(1/4)
A 50-year mortgage on a $400k home with 10% down and 6.25% interest rate would amount to $816k in total interest paid on the loan. That’s compared to $438k for a comparable 30-year.
Amount of principal paid in first 10 years of loan? Only $14k for the 50-year, compared with $57k for the 30-year.
Amount of principal paid in first 10 years of loan? Only $14k for the 50-year, compared with $57k for the 30-year.
Experts in the mortgage industry are skeptical. Buyers would pay less each month, but would end up paying more over time. Here's what to know about the proposed 50-year mortgages.
3 questions about Trump's 50-year mortgage plan
Experts in the mortgage industry are skeptical. Buyers would pay less each month, but would end up paying more over time. Here's what to know about the proposed 50-year mortgages.
n.pr
November 16, 2025 at 4:50 PM
A 50-year mortgage on a $400k home with 10% down and 6.25% interest rate would amount to $816k in total interest paid on the loan. That’s compared to $438k for a comparable 30-year.
Amount of principal paid in first 10 years of loan? Only $14k for the 50-year, compared with $57k for the 30-year.
Amount of principal paid in first 10 years of loan? Only $14k for the 50-year, compared with $57k for the 30-year.
Reposted by Steve Koller
📢Global Carbon Budget 2025📢
Fossil CO2 emissions continue to rise in 2025 while the terrestrial carbon sink recovers to pre-El Niño strength.
The key findings are covered in two reports this year:
* ESSDD (preprint): essd.copernicus.org/preprints/es...
* Nature: www.nature.com/articles/s41...
1/
Fossil CO2 emissions continue to rise in 2025 while the terrestrial carbon sink recovers to pre-El Niño strength.
The key findings are covered in two reports this year:
* ESSDD (preprint): essd.copernicus.org/preprints/es...
* Nature: www.nature.com/articles/s41...
1/
November 13, 2025 at 7:07 AM
📢Global Carbon Budget 2025📢
Fossil CO2 emissions continue to rise in 2025 while the terrestrial carbon sink recovers to pre-El Niño strength.
The key findings are covered in two reports this year:
* ESSDD (preprint): essd.copernicus.org/preprints/es...
* Nature: www.nature.com/articles/s41...
1/
Fossil CO2 emissions continue to rise in 2025 while the terrestrial carbon sink recovers to pre-El Niño strength.
The key findings are covered in two reports this year:
* ESSDD (preprint): essd.copernicus.org/preprints/es...
* Nature: www.nature.com/articles/s41...
1/
According to a new National Association of Realtors report, the share of all-cash home buyers in the U.S. has increased by nearly twenty percentage points over the past two decades to 26% in 2025. www.nar.realtor/newsroom/fir...
November 12, 2025 at 10:12 PM
According to a new National Association of Realtors report, the share of all-cash home buyers in the U.S. has increased by nearly twenty percentage points over the past two decades to 26% in 2025. www.nar.realtor/newsroom/fir...
Reposted by Steve Koller
Three German universities offering post-docs for researchers "who cannot conduct or continue their work in the USA appropriately because of actual political pressure. "
www.uni-konstanz.de/zukunftskoll...
www.uni-konstanz.de/zukunftskoll...
Early Career Rescue Fellowship
www.uni-konstanz.de
November 11, 2025 at 7:10 PM
Three German universities offering post-docs for researchers "who cannot conduct or continue their work in the USA appropriately because of actual political pressure. "
www.uni-konstanz.de/zukunftskoll...
www.uni-konstanz.de/zukunftskoll...
According to the National Federation of Independent Business: “Nearly half (49%) of small businesses in the construction industry reported labor quality as their single most important problem, 22 points higher than for all firms.”
www.wsj.com/opinion/work...
www.wsj.com/opinion/work...
Opinion | Worker Shortage Continues in a Declining Job Market
NFIB reports small firms still struggling to find qualified employees.
www.wsj.com
November 11, 2025 at 4:07 PM
According to the National Federation of Independent Business: “Nearly half (49%) of small businesses in the construction industry reported labor quality as their single most important problem, 22 points higher than for all firms.”
www.wsj.com/opinion/work...
www.wsj.com/opinion/work...
Reposted by Steve Koller
Mayor Eric Adams on Friday vetoed a bill the City Council passed to prevent rental voucher-holders from contributing more than 30% of their income for rent.
www.thecity.nyc/2025/11/10/c...
www.thecity.nyc/2025/11/10/c...
Adams Vetoes Anti Rent-Hike Law, Widening Council Battle Over Vouchers
Members vow override vote on bill that would ensure City FHEPS households pay no more than 30% of rent, as mayor pushes higher charges for some and continues a court battle over expanded eligibility.
www.thecity.nyc
November 11, 2025 at 3:23 PM
Mayor Eric Adams on Friday vetoed a bill the City Council passed to prevent rental voucher-holders from contributing more than 30% of their income for rent.
www.thecity.nyc/2025/11/10/c...
www.thecity.nyc/2025/11/10/c...
Following Hurricane Melissa, Jamaica will receive a $150 million payout in connection with a catastrophe bond purchased last year from the World Bank.
The parameters in the contract rely on measurements and reporting from NOAA's National Hurricane Center.
www.worldbank.org/en/news/pres...
The parameters in the contract rely on measurements and reporting from NOAA's National Hurricane Center.
www.worldbank.org/en/news/pres...
Hurricane Melissa triggers 100% payout of $150 million World Bank Catastrophe Bond for Jamaica
Hurricane Melissa triggers 100% payout of $150 million World Bank Catastrophe Bond for Jamaica
www.worldbank.org
November 7, 2025 at 2:39 PM
Following Hurricane Melissa, Jamaica will receive a $150 million payout in connection with a catastrophe bond purchased last year from the World Bank.
The parameters in the contract rely on measurements and reporting from NOAA's National Hurricane Center.
www.worldbank.org/en/news/pres...
The parameters in the contract rely on measurements and reporting from NOAA's National Hurricane Center.
www.worldbank.org/en/news/pres...
Reposted by Steve Koller
Every month for the last 77 years, the Bureau of Labor Statistics has estimated Americans' unemployment rate
This streak dies tomorrow
Govt staff could not survey Americans about whether they're working or looking for work in Oct, the 1st time in 934 months
This blind spot will remain forever
This streak dies tomorrow
Govt staff could not survey Americans about whether they're working or looking for work in Oct, the 1st time in 934 months
This blind spot will remain forever
Here's the planned BLS data release schedule for Nov 2025.
On Tues, it couldn't release Sept job openings, hires, layoffs and firings data.
This morning, it couldn't release 2025Q3 business Productivity and Costs data.
Tomorrow, it can't release Oct 2025 #JobsReport
www.bls.gov/schedule/202...
On Tues, it couldn't release Sept job openings, hires, layoffs and firings data.
This morning, it couldn't release 2025Q3 business Productivity and Costs data.
Tomorrow, it can't release Oct 2025 #JobsReport
www.bls.gov/schedule/202...
November 6, 2025 at 2:34 PM
Every month for the last 77 years, the Bureau of Labor Statistics has estimated Americans' unemployment rate
This streak dies tomorrow
Govt staff could not survey Americans about whether they're working or looking for work in Oct, the 1st time in 934 months
This blind spot will remain forever
This streak dies tomorrow
Govt staff could not survey Americans about whether they're working or looking for work in Oct, the 1st time in 934 months
This blind spot will remain forever
Looks like the three housing-related ballot measures passed in NYC today.
Simpler zoning review on small parcels, faster review of affordable housing projects, and an appeal mechanism for rejected affordable housing proposals.
Will be interesting to see how these affect future housing production.
Simpler zoning review on small parcels, faster review of affordable housing projects, and an appeal mechanism for rejected affordable housing proposals.
Will be interesting to see how these affect future housing production.
November 5, 2025 at 3:47 AM
Looks like the three housing-related ballot measures passed in NYC today.
Simpler zoning review on small parcels, faster review of affordable housing projects, and an appeal mechanism for rejected affordable housing proposals.
Will be interesting to see how these affect future housing production.
Simpler zoning review on small parcels, faster review of affordable housing projects, and an appeal mechanism for rejected affordable housing proposals.
Will be interesting to see how these affect future housing production.
Reposted by Steve Koller
My team has been working on a report that provides policymakers with clear situational awareness on the wildfire situation in California. I'm so proud of the work product we have produced.
November 3, 2025 at 6:37 PM
My team has been working on a report that provides policymakers with clear situational awareness on the wildfire situation in California. I'm so proud of the work product we have produced.
Reposted by Steve Koller
Trump is going after his enemies w/help from the Federal Housing Finance Agency, whose leader Bill Pulte has provided info he claims shows ppl like Lisa Cook & Letitia James committed fraud. Now the FHFA IG, whose info may have undermined the cases, is getting fired. www.reuters.com/world/us/wat...
Exclusive: Trump moves to fire watchdog of US housing regulator involved in crackdown, sources say
The internal watchdog for the U.S. Federal Housing Finance Agency is being removed from his role, four people familiar with the matter said, at a time when the housing regulator is playing a role in President Donald Trump's targeting of perceived political enemies.
www.reuters.com
November 4, 2025 at 1:50 PM
Trump is going after his enemies w/help from the Federal Housing Finance Agency, whose leader Bill Pulte has provided info he claims shows ppl like Lisa Cook & Letitia James committed fraud. Now the FHFA IG, whose info may have undermined the cases, is getting fired. www.reuters.com/world/us/wat...
Nice article highlighting recent property insurance regulation challenges in California, including spatial analysis ones. Wrinkles definitely emerge when integrating:
-ZIP- and county-level targets;
-property-level policies;
-raster data on fire hazard severity.
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/01/u...
-ZIP- and county-level targets;
-property-level policies;
-raster data on fire hazard severity.
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/01/u...
California Promised Insurance Relief, But Delivered Loopholes
www.nytimes.com
November 3, 2025 at 9:39 PM
Nice article highlighting recent property insurance regulation challenges in California, including spatial analysis ones. Wrinkles definitely emerge when integrating:
-ZIP- and county-level targets;
-property-level policies;
-raster data on fire hazard severity.
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/01/u...
-ZIP- and county-level targets;
-property-level policies;
-raster data on fire hazard severity.
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/01/u...
Had a great time at this event in DC last week. Learned a ton from attendees, especially about the latest developments in Congress and at the White House re: disaster programs. Staying tuned for FEMA Review Council’s report to come out before 2026.
Thanks to @nlihc.org for organizing and hosting!
Thanks to @nlihc.org for organizing and hosting!
Today #NLIHC successfully concluded it's 3-day Disaster Housing Research Consortium with a Q&A session with Democratic and Republican staffers from the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, and a look ahead to disaster housing recovery in 2026.
November 1, 2025 at 7:13 PM
Had a great time at this event in DC last week. Learned a ton from attendees, especially about the latest developments in Congress and at the White House re: disaster programs. Staying tuned for FEMA Review Council’s report to come out before 2026.
Thanks to @nlihc.org for organizing and hosting!
Thanks to @nlihc.org for organizing and hosting!
Reposted by Steve Koller
Tomorrow, 11/1, tens of thousands of Massachusetts residents who heat their homes with #heatpumps will start getting a discounted electric rate that lasts through April.
The notifications (like the one attached) have been going out for the last few weeks. www.wbur.org/news/2025/08... @wbur.org
The notifications (like the one attached) have been going out for the last few weeks. www.wbur.org/news/2025/08... @wbur.org
October 31, 2025 at 12:49 PM
Tomorrow, 11/1, tens of thousands of Massachusetts residents who heat their homes with #heatpumps will start getting a discounted electric rate that lasts through April.
The notifications (like the one attached) have been going out for the last few weeks. www.wbur.org/news/2025/08... @wbur.org
The notifications (like the one attached) have been going out for the last few weeks. www.wbur.org/news/2025/08... @wbur.org
Terrible. According to NYC's comprehensive real-time flood sensor network, FloodNet, water levels this afternoon in Ditmas Park were measured at 15+ inches above ground level.
dataviz.floodnet.nyc/dashboard/pr...
dataviz.floodnet.nyc/dashboard/pr...
October 31, 2025 at 2:26 AM
Terrible. According to NYC's comprehensive real-time flood sensor network, FloodNet, water levels this afternoon in Ditmas Park were measured at 15+ inches above ground level.
dataviz.floodnet.nyc/dashboard/pr...
dataviz.floodnet.nyc/dashboard/pr...
Reposted by Steve Koller
Two people died in flooded New York City buildings on Thursday after sudden and intense rain brought a deluge of water to the city in a major afternoon squall.
buff.ly/ZMd1Ow4
buff.ly/ZMd1Ow4
Two Die in NYC Basements as Squall Brings Massive Rain Burst to City
Two men, one in Central Brooklyn and another in Upper Manhattan, were found dead in flooded areas after intense rain arrived late on Thursday.
www.thecity.nyc
October 31, 2025 at 1:00 AM
Two people died in flooded New York City buildings on Thursday after sudden and intense rain brought a deluge of water to the city in a major afternoon squall.
buff.ly/ZMd1Ow4
buff.ly/ZMd1Ow4
Reposted by Steve Koller
NOAA’s hurricane research division staff has been cut from 52 in 2020 to 28 in 2025, almost a 50% cut. They’ve resorted to using volunteers to man the critical radar and dropsonde stations on Hurricane Hunter flights. Senseless cuts in an era of climate change making the strongest storms stronger.
Volunteers Step In to Help Understaffed NOAA Track Hurricane Melissa
www.nytimes.com
October 29, 2025 at 1:45 AM
NOAA’s hurricane research division staff has been cut from 52 in 2020 to 28 in 2025, almost a 50% cut. They’ve resorted to using volunteers to man the critical radar and dropsonde stations on Hurricane Hunter flights. Senseless cuts in an era of climate change making the strongest storms stronger.
Reposted by Steve Koller
What we're witnessing with #Melissa is ultra rare in the history of known hurricanes in the Atlantic. This level of sustained intensity and feasting on every joule of ocean heat content without any real disruption is incredible.
Not hyperbole: Jamaica is facing a generational catastrophic event.
Not hyperbole: Jamaica is facing a generational catastrophic event.
October 28, 2025 at 2:23 AM
What we're witnessing with #Melissa is ultra rare in the history of known hurricanes in the Atlantic. This level of sustained intensity and feasting on every joule of ocean heat content without any real disruption is incredible.
Not hyperbole: Jamaica is facing a generational catastrophic event.
Not hyperbole: Jamaica is facing a generational catastrophic event.
Reposted by Steve Koller
Melissa is Jamaica-bound as a catastrophic Category 5 hurricane. The forecast is as dire as it gets. Preparations to protect life and property across the island should be rushed to completion. Melissa threatens to be the worst Jamaica's ever experienced ⬇️
Melissa Takes Aim at Jamaica as a Monster Category 5 Hurricane
Melissa becomes the third Category 5 hurricane of the 2025 hurricane season, expected to strike Jamaica Tuesday morning near peak strength
michaelrlowry.substack.com
October 27, 2025 at 4:27 PM
Melissa is Jamaica-bound as a catastrophic Category 5 hurricane. The forecast is as dire as it gets. Preparations to protect life and property across the island should be rushed to completion. Melissa threatens to be the worst Jamaica's ever experienced ⬇️
Reposted by Steve Koller
🧪🧵 Future change to #ThwaitesGlacier, Antarctica constitutes the largest uncertainty in #sea-level rise forecasts. The Science Coordination Office of the International Thwaites Glacier Collaboration recently issued a briefing document summarising some key findings - thwaitesglacier.org/findings
October 26, 2025 at 9:35 PM
🧪🧵 Future change to #ThwaitesGlacier, Antarctica constitutes the largest uncertainty in #sea-level rise forecasts. The Science Coordination Office of the International Thwaites Glacier Collaboration recently issued a briefing document summarising some key findings - thwaitesglacier.org/findings