Future-Proofing Communities

Session Summary: Nearly 15 million people live in a FEMA-designated 100-year floodplain and more than 46 million homes are located in the wildland-urban interface. Millions more are left in the dark, often in extremely hot or freezing temperatures, after severe storms disrupt power. As disasters continue to increase in frequency and intensity, protecting people and housing units from climate impacts is a critical component to preserving supply. This panel discussed strategies for protecting communities from fires, floods, and power outages, including insurance challenges, geothermal exchanges, and innovative technologies that help to create resilient communities.