Building Resilient Communities: The Tech Revolution in Floodplain Management with Forerunner
America Adapts the Climate Change Podcast
Release Date: 01/23/2024
America Adapts the Climate Change Podcast
In episode of , we are re-releasing one of the more popular episodes of the podcast — my interview with , a law professor at Boston University. In our original conversation, we explored the critical role climate modeling plays in climate adaptation, including: what climate models can — and can’t — do; the concept of the “climate industrial complex”; legal liability for inaccurate climate projections and the role of climate analytics firms like First Street Foundation. When this episode first aired, there was still a general assumption that the federal government would...
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In episode of , we explore flood risk disclosure—a simple yet powerful climate adaptation tool that helps homebuyers avoid financial disaster while building more resilient communities. As climate change worsens flooding and federal support for resilience efforts declines, some states are stepping up with smart policies to protect homeowners before disaster strikes. I’m joined by from the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) to discuss the push for stronger flood disclosure laws, plus a homeowner who learned the hard way what happens when flood risks aren’t disclosed. We’ll also...
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In episode of we’re diving into climate change and human mobility—how rising seas, extreme weather, and disasters are forcing communities to relocate and what that means for policy and planning. Joining the podcast is , who’s helping lead a new webinar series (where America Adapts was the moderator) on this topic with CCST (California Council on Science and Technology), the , and the . We’ll talk about how cities can prepare for climate-driven displacement, how researchers can better engage with policymakers, and what lessons we can take from California’s leadership in...
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In episode of , we explore disaster resilience and climate adaptation through four expert interviews. We start with of WWF’s (EDM) program who kicks things off by sharing the program’s 20-year journey integrating nature into disaster risk management. Then, critiques large-scale flood control in Ellicott City, Maryland, advocating for community-driven solutions. Next, , founder of ResilireD, shares insights into post-disaster housing recovery and the need for professionalized shelter reconstruction. Finally, Achala Navaratne from the American Red Cross, highlights the role of...
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In episode of , we’re hosting some of the world’s leading adaptation experts (and previous podcast guests) to make climate predictions for 2025! From the growing impacts of wildfires reshaping communities, extreme heat, adaptation technology, to the potential massive shifts in climate policy under a new presidential administration, this year promises to be a turning point. Join us as we explore the trends, innovations, and strategies that will define climate adaptation in the year to come. You won’t want to miss what these experts have to say about the future of climate...
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In episode of , we’re diving into a new project from Tailwind: The Adaptation & Resilience Innovation Playbook. In this episode, I chatted with , co-founder of Tailwind, a pioneering firm dedicated to driving innovation in climate adaptation. Katie and her team at Tailwind are at the forefront of helping companies tackle some of the most pressing climate hazards—think wildfires, heat waves, and more. And now, they’ve taken it a step further with their latest project: a comprehensive playbook that maps out the booming adaptation market, which is projected to hit $2 trillion by 2030....
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In episode of , we dive into the intersection of climate resilience, fiscal accountability, and federal oversight with two distinguished guests: , a leading expert in adaptation and urban planning at Tulane University, and , Director of the Natural Resources and Environment Program at the Government Accountability Office (GAO). Together, we unpack a pivotal GAO report on federal climate adaptation efforts, exploring its critical findings on the government’s capacity to manage climate-related financial risks. First off, Alfredo Gomez outlines the GAO's four key recommendations for...
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In episode of , I’m joined by , a recent doctoral graduate from the University of Miami, whose groundbreaking research explores the concept of "climatopias"—an innovative blend of climate and utopia. Now based in Nairobi, Kenya, Alizé shares her fascinating insights into how architecture and urban design can tackle climate challenges. From defining climatopias to categorizing their types—projects that fortify, float, forest, reduce, reuse, and retreat—Alizé unpacks the transformative potential of these aspirational designs. She also introduces a thoughtful framework for evaluating...
info_outlineIn episode 198 America Adapts, we’re partnering with Forerunner, a software company that works with local governments to help them with disaster management, flood risk and adapting to future impacts of climate change. Our discussion will feature insights from floodplain managers operating in both riverine flooding areas and coastal flood zones. These flooding experts are on the ground, finding ways to help their communities with extreme flooding and changes expected with a changing climate. The episode delves into the increasing role of technology in their work, emphasizing the crucial aspects of communication and outreach to garner community support for the establishment of effective flood prevention programs. Susanna Pho, co-founder of Forerunner, shares with us how climate analytics and technology are helping some of these front line adapters, in this case, flood plain managers, to do their jobs more effectively. Exploring the practical experiences of these managers and the tools they find instrumental in advancing flood and disaster risk management offers useful insights for your own adaptation planning.
Transcript of episode available here.
https://www.americaadapts.org/episodes/building-resilient-communities-the-tech-revolution-in-floodplain-management-with-forerunner
This episode was generously sponsored by Forerunner.
Experts in this Episode:
- Susanna Pho – Co-founder and COO of Forerunner
- Maggie Talley – Director of Floodplain Management & Hazard Mitigation, Jefferson Parish, Lousiana
- Seamus Riley - Floodplain Manager/CRS Specialist, Jefferson Parish, Lousiana
- Michael Thulen - Construction Official and Floodplain Administrator
- Del Schwalls - President, Schwalls Consulting LLC, Engineering & Floodplain Management Solutions
- Mathew Langley - Floodplain Administrator, Development Services
City of Cedar Rapids
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Resources and Links in this episode:
https://www.withforerunner.com/
https://www.withforerunner.com/case-study/jefferson-parish-la
https://www.withforerunner.com/case-study/cedar-rapids-ia
The third annual Innovations in Climate Resilience Conference (ICR24) takes place on April 22-24, 2024, in Washington, DC. This toolkit is meant to help share messaging and information with your audiences.
ICR24 Website
https://www.battelle.org/conferences/conference-on-innovations-in-climate-resilience
IMPORTANT KEY DATES
· Abstract Submission Deadline – December 11, 2023 – Submission link
- Early Bird Registration Opens – November 1, 2023 – Registration link
- Early Bird Registration Deadline - February 16, 2024
- Standard Registration Closes - April 15, 2024
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Hey Adapters, I'm excited to announce a new partnership with Atmos. America Adapts has been selected as one of the non-profits that gets direct donations when you start banking with Atmos, the world's most climate-focused bank account. From solar loans, cash-back checking to high yield savings accounts, Atmos is 'banking with a purpose.' When you open a bank account you can increase your monthly savings rate when you regularly support their select list of non profits working for a sustainable future. Yes, there are other options besides America Adapts...like Amazon Watch, 1% for the Planet, Grist, Project Drawdown and many more. Please watch the short video below to get a specific explanation of what Atmos offers. America Adapts gets individual donors because we're a 501(c)3, but Atmos might be a better fit, as you get banking services with your donations..
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Strategies to Address Climate Change Risk in Low- and Moderate-income Communities - Volume 14, Issue 1
https://www.frbsf.org/community-development/publications/community-development-investment-review/2019/october/strategies-to-address-climate-change-low-moderate-income-communities/
Podcasts in the Classroom – Discussion guides now available for the latest episode of America Adapts. These guides can be used by educators at all levels. Check them out here!
The 10 Best Sustainability Podcasts for Environmental Business Leaders
https://us.anteagroup.com/news-events/blog/10-best-sustainability-podcasts-environmental-business-leaders
The best climate change podcasts on The Climate Advisor
http://theclimateadvisor.com/the-best-climate-change-podcasts/
7 podcasts to learn more about climate change and how to fight it
https://kinder.world/articles/you/7-podcasts-to-learn-more-about-climate-change-and-how-to-fight-it-19813
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