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Aired on Sept. 5, 2013 1:15 PM to 2:45 PM ET
After the devastation of extreme weather events like Hurricane Sandy, Colorado Wildfires, and Oklahoma Tornadoes just this year, communities and decision-makers face the daunting task of recovering and rebuilding – both physically and emotionally.
- What can be learned from these experiences to prepare us for the next crisis, which for someone somewhere is right around the corner?
- How can leaders partner with citizens to find ways of adapting and preparing for some of the more gradual, but inevitable future events, like sea level rise?
Citizens and communities are critical in finding solutions for the challenges they face. They know the problems intimately, they have the most to lose, they are the experts on their own futures. But how can they deal with the often confusing, contradictory and even frightening onslaught of data and opinions from scientists, technicians, politicians and other experts of all kinds? What is needed are techniques for harnessing this local knowledge and commitment in a process that leads to a sensible, sustainable and widely supported decision.
This free 90 minute webinar, moderated by nationally known environmental mediator Lucy Moore, offers innovative tools for bringing together diverse interests in a dialogue where learn, build relationships, and face tough choices together. Lucy is the author of Common Ground on Hostile Turf, published by Island Press. I read and recommend this book to professional mediators and anyone seeking examples of how to deal with conflict. Use code 5SSF for a 20% SSF discount.
The session focused on case studies that highlight the role of community engagement in decision-making on challenging issues related to both the “before” and “after” of extreme environmental events.
Panelist:
Bruce Babbitt, former Governor of Arizona and Department of Interior Secretary, has joined the panel and provide his insights from recent experience helping communities deal with extreme weather events.
Sam Merrill, President of Catalysis and Director New England Environmental Finance Center Muskie School of Public Service, University of Southern Maine, will discuss the use of the COAST Model as a framework for decision making.
Thomas Wieczorek is the Director of the ICMA Center for Public Safety Management will address incorporating emergency response into resilience planning.
Alexandros Washburn, Chief Urban Designer at the New York Department of City Planning shares his experiences at the forefront of Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s epic remaking of the City.
Download the Empowering Communities to Find Resilient Solutions webinar pdf.
