Extreme weather events present significant challenges to communities and critical infrastructure, and with climate change, their severity and frequency are expected to increase. While disaster response is crucial in the aftermath of such events, it is equally important to proactively develop and implement strategies that can mitigate the impact of extreme weather before it strikes.
It is precisely about this topic that the National Adaptation Forum organized in December a five-part virtual event bringing together experts from across the United States to discuss strategies for enhancing community preparedness and resilience in advance of disasters. The sessions focused on minimizing damage from extreme weather by taking action ahead of time, aiming at providing participants with insights into innovative approaches and practical solutions for disaster preparedness, while also exploring how these strategies are integrated into broader climate adaptation planning for the future.
One of the session in particular highlighted the role of nature-based solutions, touching upon topics close to NATURANCE scope and mission. “Nature-Based Solutions as an Adaptation Strategy to Extreme Weather” explored the critical role of nature-based solutions in disaster preparedness and climate change adaptation. Presentations and discussions explored actionable strategies for scaling up NbS, with an emphasis on overcoming challenges such as securing the necessary funding to bring these innovative solutions to life. Representatives from several agencies discussed how they are incorporating NbS into disaster planning and share relevant technical and financial resources.
More specifically, the session featured presentations from Merissa Zuzulock (Climate Resilience Integration Branch Chief, Federal Emergency Management Agency), Whitney Boone (Acting Chief Policy Analyst, Office of Policy Analysis, Department of the Interior), Margaret Kurth (Research Environmental Engineer, U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center), Steven (Kyle) McKay (Senior Research Civil Engineer, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers), Robyn De Young (Green Infrastructure Program Manager, Environmental Protection Agency), Stephanie Santell (Senior Climate Advisor, Environmental Protection Agency), with Douglas Mason (Assistant Director of Nature Based Solutions, White House Office of Science and Technology Policy) & Daniella Rolle (National Adaptation Forum Program Associate, EcoAdapt and CivicSpark Fellow, CivicSpark) as moderator.