Zillow Climate Risk Scores: Expert Restores Ratings
- Nathan Matouka,a climate expert,is developing a plugin to restore climate risk scores similar to those previously offered by Zillow,and welcomes feedback on its development and readiness for wider...
- In March 2023, Zillow discontinued its climate risk scores, citing limited user engagement and difficulties in accurately representing complex climate data.
- Matouka's plugin seeks to address the facts void created by zillow's removal of the data.
Climate Risk Plugin Advancement by Nathan Matouka
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Nathan Matouka,a climate expert,is developing a plugin to restore climate risk scores similar to those previously offered by Zillow,and welcomes feedback on its development and readiness for wider use. The beta version is available on GitHub.
Zillow’s Removal of Climate Risk Data
In March 2023, Zillow discontinued its climate risk scores, citing limited user engagement and difficulties in accurately representing complex climate data. Zillow’s official announcement stated the decision was made after careful consideration and a review of the tool’s impact.
Matouka’s Plugin Aims to Fill the gap
Matouka’s plugin seeks to address the facts void created by zillow’s removal of the data. The tool aims to provide users with insights into potential climate-related risks associated with specific properties, including factors like flood risk, fire hazard, and heat exposure. Matouka intends to leverage publicly available data sources to generate thes risk assessments.
Data Sources and Methodology
The plugin utilizes data from sources such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and First Street Foundation. First Street Foundation provides detailed flood risk assessments at the property level, while FEMA provides flood insurance rate maps. Matouka’s plugin integrates these datasets to provide a thorough risk profile. He is also incorporating data on wildfire hazard potential from Cal Fire and other sources.
Beta Testing and Feedback
The current beta version of the plugin is available for testing and feedback on GitHub. Matouka encourages users to contribute to the development process by reporting bugs, suggesting improvements, and sharing their experiences with the tool. This collaborative approach aims to ensure the plugin is accurate, reliable, and user-friendly before a wider release.
About Claire Barber
Claire Barber, the author of the Inside Climate News article, is a fellow at Inside Climate News and a masters in journalism student at Stanford University. She focuses on environmental and outdoor journalism, primarily in the American southwest and West.