Climate Resilient Infrastructure: Building a More Sustainable Future

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is now responding to more frequent and intense disasters than any time in history. In 2023, FEMA spent more than 12 billion dollars on infrastructure to recover from major disasters and mitigate against future hazards. This one-day summit is an opportunity to examine resilient infrastructure challenges and innovative solutions.

Attendees will get to hear from FEMA and our public, private, and academic partners on a number of topics including nature-based solutions, net-zero energy projects, energy efficiency efforts, the use of salvaged materials and how each of these fit into nationwide resilience strategy. FEMA is partnering with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to host Climate Resilient Infrastructure: Building a More Sustainable Future.

Note on Format: This hybrid event will have both an in-person component with limited seating as well as a virtual broadcast via Zoom. Webinar details will be provided upon registration.

1. NATIONAL RESILIENCE GUIDANCE: THROUGH THE CLIMATE LENS

FEMA, in partnership with the whole of community, has developed National Resilience Guidance (NRG) that will support building national resilience. Strengthening resilience requires that we anticipate and prepare for future conditions such as extreme weather events and associated climate impacts. The NRG sets the groundwork for a common definition and vison for national resilience and will set the foundation for this summit.

2. NATURE-BASED SOLUTIONS: FROM CONCEPT TO COMMUNITY

This session aims to provide attendees with a comprehensive understanding of the significance of nature-based solutions to enhance community resilience and environmental equity. Participants will learn how these solutions can be effectively implemented through various funding opportunities, emphasizing practical applications, success stories, and available resources to support the integration of NBS into disaster risk management and mitigation strategies.

The second half of this session will engage participants through a workshop activity that allows them to utilize climate analytics resources with a focus on Community Disaster Resilience Zones (CDRZ).

3. FROM EFFICIENCY TO NET ZERO: STRATEGIES FOR RESILIENT BUILDINGS

This session will explore the critical role of energy building codes, energy efficiency measures, disaster-resilient codes and net-zero energy facilities in creating sustainable and resilient communities. Our experts will discuss how these innovations not only contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions but also enhance energy security. By providing diverse and reliable energy options, communities can better withstand power outages, ensuring that vital services and those reliant on electricity for health and safety are not left vulnerable.

4. REBUILDING SUSTAINABLY: USING DISASTER DEBRIS FOR A GREENER FUTURE

In the past five years, FEMA has spent more than $10 billion on disaster debris removal efforts. With the number of disaster incidents rising in frequency, debris operations are becoming increasingly complex and burdensome for communities across the nation. This panel discussion will explore resilient solutions to reduce the generation of disaster debris resulting in debris removal costs savings, and solutions to easily connect with local secondary markets for debris suitable for beneficial use, fostering a circular economy in emergency management.