Flood Resilience and Adaptation Planning in the U.S.: Challenges and Opportunities

Experts project that the frequency and severity of flood-inducing storms will rise dramatically over the next several decades, enhancing the need for action now to better prepare communities for the effects of climate change.

The Pew Charitable Trusts hosted a webinar on March 8 unveiling first-of-its kind research by the Urban Institute on behalf of the State Resilience Partnership, a network of organizations committed to supporting state-level resilience efforts that was convened by Pew and the American Flood Coalition.

As part of the discussion, current and former chief resilience officers from New Jersey, North Carolina, and South Carolina discussed how their state governments are rising to the challenge with long-range adaptation plans and integrated resilience efforts across sectors. 

Keynote speaker Brenda Mallory, chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality, discussed resilience and adaptation initiatives of the Biden administration and opportunities for state and federal partnerships in the administration’s “whole of government” approach to climate adaptation and resilience.

Agenda

Welcome and Opening Remarks

Mathew Sanders, senior manager, flood-prepared communities, The Pew Charitable Trusts

Unveiling of “State Flood Resilience and Adaptation Planning: Challenges and Opportunities”

Eric Burnstein, research associate, The Urban Institute

Mathew Sanders

Panel Discussion

Mathew Sanders, moderator

Amanda Martin, chief resilience officer, North Carolina

Ben Duncan, chief resilience officer, South Carolina

Dave Rosenblatt, former chief resilience officer, New Jersey

Fireside Chat

Elizabeth Wilson, senior director, environmental policy, The Pew Charitable Trusts

Laura Lightbody, director, flood-prepared communities, The Pew Charitable Trusts

Brenda Mallory, chair, White House Council on Environmental Quality

Closing Remarks

Laura Lightbody