This six-part series, hosted by the Urban Waters Learning Network, highlights a variety of strategies that community-based organizations can use to help their communities anticipate, prepare for and respond to climate risks such as flooding, coastal storms and drought, with a focus on protecting community members who are most vulnerable to climate threats.

After watching this learning series, you will:

• Understand the historical context of climate inequities and be able to initiate local conversations to help residents and stakeholders understand the relationship between historic land use/housing policies and predicted impacts of climate change, in particular with regards to water.
• Understand and describe how climate change impacts are felt through water: riverine, urban and coastal flooding, drought and water scarcity, water pollution and more, and how restoration initiatives improve community resilience.
• Be able to identify key practices of community-driven climate resilience and gain tools for organizing community members and communicating local priorities to decision-makers more effectively.

The series began on July 19 and will run through January 2024. Watch recordings of completed sessions below and visit the Learning Series event page to register for future sessions.

Spanish subtitles and English captions are available for all five videos below; click the gear icon, then “Subtitles/CC” to turn on.

Part 1 – Building Climate Resilience: The Link Between Historic Policies and Today’s Risk

This session provides a brief overview of the disparate impacts of climate change in the U.S. and helps participants initiate and navigate local conversations about climate risk and vulnerability. Participants will learn how communities participating in Groundwork USA’s Climate Safe Neighborhoods Program are making the connections between historic land use policies and today’s climate risks to inform resilience efforts.

Speakers

• Dr. Jeremy Hoffman Hayes, Director of Climate Justice and Impact, Groundwork USA (LinkedIn)
• Kelsey Hawkins-Johnson, Community & Climate Resilience Program Director, Groundwork Ohio River Valley (LinkedIn)
• Candida Rodriguez,  Director of Community Relations, Groundwork Hudson Valley (LinkedIn)

Part 2 – Resilience Hubs as Community Superheroes of Climate Preparedness and Disaster Recovery

In this session, we hear from national and local leaders experienced in establishing local Resilience Hubs. Resilience Hubs are central gathering places that bring community members together and provide residents with resources and support to prepare for and respond to climate emergencies. Participants learn how they can advocate for and participate in the planning and establishment of Resilience Hubs in their own communities.

Speakers

• Samantha Paladini, Resilience Hubs Coordinator, Communities Responding to Extreme Weather (CREW) (LinkedIn)
• Stacey Henry, Found of Delaware’s First Resilience Hub (USA Today’s Woman of the Year)
• Aubrey Germ, Climate & Resilience Planner, Baltimore Office of Sustainability (LinkedIn)

**Additional resources, including Q&A and notes from the chat are coming soon!

Part 3 – Investing in Local Leadership to Advocate for Equitable Climate Resilience

October 18 at 10 am PT / 1 pm ET. Register.

 

Part 4 – Centering Those at Risk: The Power of Community-Led Research for Climate Resilience Investments

November 15 at 10 am PT / 1 pm ET. Register.

 

Part 5 – Equitable Resilience Planning Frameworks

December 13 at 10 am PT / 1 pm ET. Register.

 

Part 6 – Building Climate Resilience: Transforming Communities through Green Workforce Development

January 17 at 10 am PT / 1 pm ET. Register.