Nature Based Solutions Climate Resil

Catalog description

Throughout history, efforts to mitigate natural hazard risks have predominantly focused on employing structural or engineered remedies like levees, sea walls, and stormwater drainage channels. However, the shortcomings of these rigid infrastructure solutions are increasingly apparent in the face of climate change. Extreme weather has exposed widespread vulnerabilities in the nation’s strained and aging infrastructure. Furthermore, a growing disparity exists between the climatic parameters for which these structures were originally designed and the present and impending environmental conditions they must endure. “Nature-based Solutions” (NbS)-known by such terms as natural infrastructure, natural defenses, ecosystem-based adaptation, or natural and nature-based features-can play an essential role in community adaptation and resilience by not only ameliorating climate-related risks but also through enhancing the quality of life for community residents. In addition, students will review best practices, ensuring the planning, design, and implementation of nature-based solutions are just and equitable. This course will examine opportunities for integrating NbS into community climate resilience planning processes, focusing on the “Steps to Resilience” framework. Participants will learn how to incorporate NbS within the various Steps to Climate Resilience: Identify Hazards, Access Vulnerability and Risk, Investigate Options, Prioritize and Plan, and Take Action. The course will also include essential steps recommended in the Centering Equity in Climate Resilience Planning and Action report: Historical Context, Co-create Community, Collaborate Across Sectors, and Equity Goal setting, The course will focus on investigating NbS best practices, applying recommended guiding questions and critical considerations for prioritizing NbS for successful implementation, and identifying financial mechanisms and government programs to support implementation. Participants will identify a parcel or community for which they will apply the framework throughout the course.