The Resilient Nation Roundup | July 2023

July 2023

Flyer

Join the RNPN today for a NEW interactive session highlighting the foundation of this network: our partners! “Partner Connect” actively works to connect partners for collaboration opportunities. 

"Partner Connect” will hear from Island PressFlood Mitigation Industry Association, and Coalition of Community Organizations Houston. Our hope is to create lasting resilience partnerships across the Whole Community. All are welcome to attend. 

Register here 

UPCOMING EVENTS


FUNDING OPPORTUNITY

NOAA: Climate Resilience Regional Challenge Notice of Funding Opportunity Released!

NOAA released the Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Climate Resilience Regional Challenge. This provides approximately $575 million in funding from the Inflation Reduction Act to invest in holistic, collaborative approaches to coastal resilience at regional scales.

The competitive funding can be used to increase resilience to extreme weather events (e.g., hurricanes and storm surge), as well as address longer-term, chronic climate hazards (e.g., sea level rise, erosion, heat stress). Projects funded under the Challenge needs to consider four overarching priorities: risk reduction; regional coordination and collaboration; equity and inclusion; and enduring capacity. The approach for these grants emphasizes integrating NOAA’s scientific and technical expertise with on-the-ground efforts. It will ensure that equal access is provided to previously underserved communities.

Learn more at the NOAA Climate Resilience Regional Challenge website


National Wildlife Federation: Nature-Based Solutions Funding Database

As natural hazards like flooding and drought increase in intensity and frequency each year, communities face the growing pressure to develop and implement plans that protect vulnerable communities, infrastructure, natural habitats and farmland. Nature-based solutions offer a cost-effective, long-term approach to addressing environmental issues like polluted water, eroded soils or degraded habitats, while considering social and economic outcomes. While there are several funding sources for nature-based practices, this database focuses on federal funding and technical assistance programs.

Partner News

RNPN: Thank You to Everyone Who Attended the June Ideation Hour!

During our June Ideation Hour, we explored how nature-based solutions can help build resilience in equity, public health, and risk reduction. This session brought together diverse partners and addressed new ideas, gaps, and collaboration opportunities in building climate resilience. In the coming weeks, we will release an Insights and Reflections document that summarizes the key discussion points and considerations from the event.

Stories of Resilience: Voices that Inspire

s

Do you have a story to tell? We want to learn more about your journey towards climate resilience. Sharing your wins and challenges can help others learn from your experience. You can submit photos, video, audio, text, or art about your resilience journey.

Are you ready to share? Visit our Stories of Resilience: Voices that Inspire website for more information.


PLACE: SLR: Resilient East Biloxi Program

photo

The Resilient East Biloxi (REB) program in Mississippi provides leadership training and community engagement to help residents own and take action on long-lasting redevelopment.

Founded in partnership with several local non-profit and academic organizations, REB builds community capacity to redevelop in the face of environmental challenges such as hurricanes and sea-level rise. In celebration of this ongoing work, REB held a community festival on June 10 to celebrate the culture and historic heritage of the community.

Learn more here


USGS: Introducing the USGS Coastal Science Navigator

Discover the USGS coastal data and products you need with the launch of our new Coastal Science Navigator!

Learn more here


University of California Disaster Resilience Network (UC DRN) Advances

UDC

In the past few months, UC DRN has developed a proposal to empower California’s vulnerable communities through climate analytics, delivered UC’s first systemwide course on disaster resilience, developed new partnerships (Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, EY, other university systems), and more. 

Learn more here


Build Change: Resilient Housing Across the Americas

Build Change has launched a new web series, Resilient Housing Across the Americas, a series of one-on-one conversations on future housing with leaders across countries and industries. Catch our first episode featuring Mayor Mitch Roth of Hawaii County. Stay tuned for future episodes featuring leaders from HUD, the World Economic Forum, and leaders from across Latin America.


River Network: Learning Series: Building Water Equity and Climate Resilient Communities for ALL

RIVNET

Urban Waters Learning Network's 6-part series begins 7/19, highlighting strategies for community-based organizations to help their communities anticipate, prepare for and respond to climate risks, with a focus on protecting community members who are most vulnerable to climate threats.

Learn more here


Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center: Introducing the USGS Coastal Science Navigator

Discover the USGS coastal data and products you need! Join staff from the USGS Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program on Tuesday, July 11 at 2:00 p.m. EDT for the (virtual) public launch of our new Coastal Science Navigator.  

Learn more here


American Flood Coalition: Florida and Texas Passed Major Bills to Boost Flood Resilience

AFC

The Florida and Texas legislative sessions recently advanced major bills that build resilience and protect communities and properties. The American Flood Coalition championed many of the initiatives passed and worked with lawmakers to increase funding for flood resilience.

Learn more here


FEMA: The BRIC 2023 Stakeholder Feedback Effort Is Underway!

bric

FEMA is excited to kick off the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) 2023 Stakeholder Engagement effort! Be part of the conversation and help inform continuous improvement of the BRIC grant program and offer benefits to process improvements across FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Assistance grant programs.

Take the online survey and share your insights. We value your feedback!

Learn more here


Duke University's Nicholas Institute for Energy, Environment & Sustainability: Duke Launches Heat Policy Innovation Hub

As the start of summer ushers in an El Niño-fueled heat season, a new Duke University program aims to reduce the impacts of extreme heat on human health and well-being

The Nicholas Institute for Energy, Environment & Sustainability has launched the Heat Policy Innovation Hub, a first-of-its-kind program in the United States. The hub will bring together Duke scholars, government agencies, communities and other stakeholders to develop and deploy heat policy solutions that could save lives.

Learn more here


Environmental Defense Fund: Hurricane Season Is Here Again. And Finally, Leaders Are Addressing Multiple Flood Risks

EDF

There is an urgent need to implement natural disaster mitigation strategies that address comprehensive flood and storm risks. Dr. Natalie Snider, associate vice president for EDF’s Climate Resilient Coasts and Watersheds program, shares two ways leaders are addressing these risks.

Learn more here


Updates From the Union of Concerned Scientists

hurricane

Atlantic Hurricane Season 2023: the Good, the Bad, the Ugly—and More 

With another Atlantic hurricane season upon us here is what the data is telling us about what to expect. 

Read more here


fog

Climate Reality vs. Public Perception: Will Toxic Haze and the 2023 Danger Season Make a Difference? 

If the next six months of 2023 are anything like the first six, the people's ability to normalize global warming may be put to its most severe test yet.   

Read more here


sun

#DangerSeason Unleashed: Killer Heat Threatens 75 Million in US South, No End in Sight Through Next Week 

Climate change has broken a new Danger Season record: 76 million people in the US—or 23% of the total population—are currently under extreme weather alerts including heat, flooding, storms, or wildfire weather conditions. 

Read more here


Technical Assistance Available

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration: New Online Training Module Preparing for Effective Risk Communication

NOAA

Explore steps to develop a risk communication strategy to meet the needs of your specific audience. Learn to listen more effectively, share information appropriately, and build relationships for improved conversations. Get tips on how to respond when asked a difficult question.

Learn more here


Enterprise Community Partners: Fourth Climate Resilience Academy (West Coast) Coming Soon

Enterprise Community Partners will launch the fourth Climate Resilience Academy for affordable housing owners and operators, focusing on the West Coast. Launching at the end of April (applications opened in mid-February), the curriculum will provide education and technical assistance on climate risk reduction. Owners and operators of affordable housing in California, Oregon and Washington are encouraged to join this cohort to engage with other housing providers, content experts and local stakeholders to learn how to better address the unique hazards of the West Coast. If you have questions, please contact Senior Program Director, Mihir Parikh at mparikh@enterprisecommunity.org.

Learn more here


Environmental Protection Agency: "Creating Co-Benefits Through Hazard Mitigation Planning and Water Resource Management" Training

epa

EPA’s Nonpoint Source (NPS) program, alongside EPA’s Watershed Academy, is excited to announce the release of a web-based training titled “Creating Co-Benefits Through Hazard Mitigation Planning and Water Resource Management.” This training, developed with review and feedback from partners at the Federal Emergency Management Agency, supports water quality and hazard mitigation professionals in integrating water quality issues, water resource management, and nature-based practices into state or local hazard mitigation plans (HMPs). Modules in this series can be used as training tools to help planners from both worlds explore activities of mutual interest and benefit. Case studies and real-world examples show planners how to connect with water resource programs through hazard mitigation planning and help watershed planners understand the synergies between water resource plans and HMPs.

Learn more here


FEMA: Center for Domestic Preparedness

The Center for Domestic Preparedness (CDP) enhances the resiliency of U.S. communities. It teaches responders to prepare for and safely respond to a wide range of natural and manmade disasters. The advanced, all-hazards training is free and delivered on the CDP campus in Alabama, at sites around the nation, and online.

Learn more here


New Resources

Environmental Protection Agency: Indoor Air Quality-Focused Resource Summaries for Floods, Wildfires, and Power Outages. Plus New Spanish-Language Website on Flooded Homes

epa

EPA published three new one-page resource summaries featuring QR codes for easy access to resources and guidance on how to protect your indoor air quality in different emergency scenarios. Please see: Flood Cleanup and Indoor Air Quality, Power Outages and Indoor Air Quality, and Wildfires and Indoor Air Quality, also en Español. The flood cleanup and power outage resources will soon be available in Spanish. EPA also recently published a Spanish website on Flooded Homes Cleanup Guidance, Directrices para la limpieza de hogares inundados, that mirrors the English site. Both websites include guidance for staying safe while cleaning up your home after a flood, as well as detailed how-to videos for various steps of the cleanup process.

Learn more here

 

photo

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration: Highly Sought After Adaptation Training Now Has a Standalone Five-Step Guide

Each step provides key takeaways, pitfalls to avoid, and additional resources for a deeper dive on the topic. Get practical ideas for putting these steps into motion. In addition, equitable climate planning considerations are provided for each of the steps.  

Learn more here


photo

California Resiliency Alliance: Earthquake Scenario Exercise Toolkit

The California Resiliency Alliance, Earthquake Country Alliance, and USGS, with support from other partners, have created an exercise toolkit for the USGS HayWired Earthquake Scenario. While primarily focused on the expected losses and outcomes of an earthquake on the Hayward fault in the San Francisco Bay Area, the Toolkit can be adapted for other regions and scenarios as many of the issues and exercise ideas included are likely to be similar.

Learn more here


photo

FEMA: Building Community Resilience With Nature-Based Solutions

When designed the right way, nature-based solutions (NBS) can absorb floodwaters, reduce a wildfire’s intensity, and lower air temperature. “Building Community Resilience With Nature-Based Solutions: Strategies for Success” is a user-friendly resource. It includes case studies, infographics and practical tips. It also covers five key strategies to set community leaders up for success in their NBS projects—even if you are new to them. ​​