Innovations in Climate Risk and Insurance – The Podcast
America Adapts the Climate Change Podcast
Release Date: 08/11/2025
North: The Future of Post-Climate America
America Adapts the Climate Change Podcast
In episode of , host Doug Parsons welcomes back recurring guest and leading adaptation scholar to discuss his new book, (Oxford Univesity Press). Keenan examines how the United States is already changing through mobility, shifting markets, governance pressures, and evolving cultural identities. Doug and Jesse unpack why adaptation is not just a set of technical responses to climate impacts but a broader transformation in how communities understand stability, opportunity, and belonging. They explore the limits of local governments, the growing influence of market-led adaptation, and...
info_outline
FEMA at a Crossroads: What’s Breaking, What’s Working, and What Comes Next with NRDC
America Adapts the Climate Change Podcast
In episode of , host Doug Parsons checks in on FEMA at a moment of rapid change. With funding delays, political uncertainty, and major reforms underway, FEMA’s role in national resilience is shifting in real time. Doug speaks with four guests — Joel Scata (NRDC), Michael Coen (former FEMA Chief of Staff), Samantha Medlock (former FEMA Assistant Administrator), and Derrick Hiebert (AECOM) — to unpack what’s happening inside the agency, where communities are feeling the impacts, and what potential improvements could emerge from this period of transition. It’s a candid, timely...
info_outline
The Federal Climate Retreat and the Rise of a New Adaptation Ecosystem
America Adapts the Climate Change Podcast
In episode of , host Doug Parsons explores what happens when federal climate services retreat—and a new adaptation ecosystem rises to fill the gaps. As agencies like NOAA, FEMA, and EPA scale back their climate work, adaptation professionals are turning to emerging climate-service innovators for the tools, data, and guidance they need. We kick off with framing the big-picture implications of this federal pullback, then hear from leaders at , , the and , who are stepping forward with practical solutions. This episode highlights the essential adaptation tools available right now, the...
info_outline
Unmanaged Retreat: Inside America’s First Federal Climate Relocation Attempt
America Adapts the Climate Change Podcast
In episode of , host Doug Parsons talks with reporter about the tangled story behind America’s first federally funded climate relocation on Louisiana’s . Once hailed as a model for how the nation could move entire communities out of harm’s way, the project became mired in politics, confusion, and broken promises. Terry shares what he uncovered on the ground — from residents who never wanted to leave, to state officials unprepared for the task, to the bigger question of whether the U.S. is truly ready for managed retreat. This episode clears up the confusion, revealing what...
info_outline
Understanding the IPCC with Dr. Katharine Mach—Where the Media Succeeds and Fails - Re-release
America Adapts the Climate Change Podcast
In episode of America Adapts, Doug Parsons revisits his conversation with , Professor at the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science and a lead author for the . Katharine explains the process of drafting that report and how the media both succeeds and fails at communicating its urgency. Doug and Katharine also discussed the need to rethink the role and purpose of the IPCC as it prepares for its next major assessment—especially now, as the Trump administration dismantles the National Climate Assessment and scales back federal climate programs, making the...
info_outline
Special Episode — Climate Change and Human Mobility (Rebroadcast of a CCST Panel Conversation)
America Adapts the Climate Change Podcast
In episode of , Doug Parsons takes you inside a CCST webinar that he moderated —part of the ’s Climate Change & Human Mobility series, organized with the UC Disaster Resilience Network and UC Berkeley. You’ll hear from three experts: (Assistant Professor, Environmental Social Sciences, Doerr School of Sustainability, Stanford University), (Professor of Public Affairs, LBJ School, University of Texas at Austin), and (Rohr Professor of International Affairs, School of Global Policy & Strategy, UC San Diego). Together, they explore the politics of place...
info_outline
20 Years After Hurricane Katrina: The Fixes, the Failures and What’s at Risk Again with Dr. Andrew Rumbach
America Adapts the Climate Change Podcast
In episode of , host Doug Parsons talks with Dr. of the , who went to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina to work on recovery and has spent his career studying disasters and resilience. They discuss Katrina’s enduring legacy—what’s been fixed, what remains broken, and what’s now under assault. Andrew shares insights on how FEMA has evolved since 2005, where bipartisan reforms have emerged even in a hostile political climate, and whether the country is truly ready for the next major storm. He also highlights five powerful documentaries that capture Katrina’s human and...
info_outline
Generating the Science Behind Climate Adaptation with the Schoodic Institute
America Adapts the Climate Change Podcast
In episode of , we’re heading to coastal Maine — a place where science, community, and nature all come together to tackle climate change. Adaptation doesn’t just happen on its own. It takes data, observation, and sometimes years of research to generate the science that guides decisions. That science is often messy, imperfect, but it’s the foundation for every smart adaptation. Effective adaptation requires partnerships. As you will hear, in Maine, you’ll find scientists, historians, local communities, and institutions like the Schoodic Institute working side by side....
info_outline
Climate Change on the Battlefield: International Military Responses to the Climate Crisis with Erin Sikorsky
America Adapts the Climate Change Podcast
In episode of , host Doug Parsons speaks with , Director of the Center for Climate and Security and author of the new book Climate Change on the Battlefield. Erin explains how climate change is already impacting global security—degrading military readiness, increasing conflict risks, and forcing new missions on defense forces worldwide. We explore how national adaptation plans can serve as strategic tools, the dangers of political backsliding in the U.S., and how China’s assertive adaptation strategy may reshape global power dynamics. Erin also highlights countries that are getting...
info_outline
Innovations in Climate Risk and Insurance – The Podcast
America Adapts the Climate Change Podcast
In episode of , host Doug Parsons explores the fast-changing world of climate risk and insurance—where escalating hazards are driving rapid changes in how we safeguard homes, businesses, and entire communities. This episode brings together an unprecedented mix of guests: policy experts advancing insurance reform, senior executives from leading insurance companies, a Miami real estate agent navigating the front lines of a shifting market, and innovators using big data and advanced technology to transform how risk is measured and managed. Across these conversations, listeners...
info_outlineIn episode 234 of America Adapts, host Doug Parsons explores the fast-changing world of climate risk and insurance—where escalating hazards are driving rapid changes in how we safeguard homes, businesses, and entire communities. This episode brings together an unprecedented mix of guests: policy experts advancing insurance reform, senior executives from leading insurance companies, a Miami real estate agent navigating the front lines of a shifting market, and innovators using big data and advanced technology to transform how risk is measured and managed. Across these conversations, listeners will hear how reinsurance strategies are evolving, how fintech is creating new tools to stabilize premiums, how local resilience projects are shaping insurability, and how industry leaders are adapting to intensifying climate threats. Together, these voices provide a rare, comprehensive look at the diverse forces reshaping an industry on the front lines of climate adaptation—offering insights every community will need in the years ahead.
This episode was generously sponsored by the CO2 Foundation.
Experts in this Episode:
- Dr. Carolyn Kousky – Founder Insurance for Good – Interview transcript
- Anna Sherrill - real estate agent and vice president of sales at One Sotheby’s International reality – Interview transcript
- Stephanie Race - CEO of Earth Analytics Group – Interview transcript
- Charlie Sidoti - Executive Director of InnSure – Interview transcript
- Laurna Castillo - senior vice president with CSAA Insurance Group – Interview transcript
- Abby Ross - Founder and CEO of The Resiliency Company – Interview transcript
- Stephen Weinstein - CEO of Mangrove Property Insurance – Interview transcript
- Dylan Dimarchi - co founder of Eventual – Interview transcript
- Moira Birss - fellow at the climate and community institute – Interview transcript
- Frances Bouchard - Managing Director of Climate at Marsh McLennan – Interview transcript
To learn more about the CO2 Foundation and the project they fund, visit their web site here.
Check out the America Adapts Media Kit here!
Subscribe to the America Adapts newsletter here.
Listen to America Adapts on your favorite app here!
Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter:
https://www.facebook.com/americaadapts/
@usaadapts
https://www.linkedin.com/in/doug-parsons-america-adapts/
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/americaadapts.bsky.social
Links in this episode:
https://co2foundation.org/about/
https://eventualclimate.com/#faq
The Epicenter (mentioned by Abby Ross): https://www.epicenterinsights.com/
https://www.earthanalyticsgroup.com/about
https://climateandcommunity.org/bio/moira-birss/
Doug Parsons and Speaking Opportunities:
If you are interested in having Doug speak at corporate and conference events, sharing his unique, expert perspective on adaptation in an entertaining and informative way, more information can be found here!
Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter:
https://www.facebook.com/americaadapts/
@usaadapts
https://www.linkedin.com/in/doug-parsons-america-adapts/
Donate to America Adapts
Follow on Apple Podcasts
Follow on Android
Now on Spotify!
List of Previous Guests on America Adapts
Follow/listen to podcast on Apple Podcasts.
Donate to America Adapts, we are now a tax deductible charitable organization!
The 10 Best Sustainability Podcasts for Environmental Business Leaders
https://us.anteagroup.com/news-events/blog/10-best-sustainability-podcasts-environmental-business-leaders
Join the climate change adaptation movement by supporting America Adapts! Please consider supporting this podcast by donating through America Adapts fiscal sponsor, the Social Good Fund. All donations are now tax deductible!
For more information on this podcast, visit the website at http://www.americaadapts.org and don't forget to subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts.
Podcast Music produce by Richard Haitz Productions
Write a review on Apple Podcasts !
America Adapts on Facebook!
Join the America Adapts Facebook Community Group.
Check us out, we’re also on YouTube!
Subscribe to America Adapts on Apple Podcasts
Doug can be contacted at americaadapts @ g mail . com