Community Forums
Tuesday, July 12, 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. MDT
Join us on Tuesday for moderated discussions of some of the most pressing issues in U.S. climate, hazards, and disaster management. In each of these three concurrent sessions, seasoned journalists will frame the conversation by posing questions to a panel of experts. Their answers—and the input of the audience—will create a space for deep exploration of topical issues. We hope that all attendees will be ready to interact and share in these cameras-on, communitywide dialogues.
This forum will look to the data—what we have and what we need—to better understand what vulnerability and equity mean in the context of hazards and disasters. How do we define these concepts and how do we measure them? The way we collect, analyze, and report disaster impact and program data can either further injustice or begin to correct it. This forum will highlight where we advanced and where data gaps and blindspots remain. In an ever evolving field, this forum will encourage the audience to share what data they use in their work and what data we need.
This forum will explore the ways that the affordable housing crisis, nationwide housing shortages, insurance policies, and the distribution of recovery aid can intersect to leave ever growing numbers of people at risk of added harm. Panelists will examine policies that might be amplifying the risk of permanent dislocation or homelessness among affected populations and highlight new strategies meant to lessen vulnerability. This forum will also review novel approaches to providing culturally appropriate housing as a community priority during post-disaster recovery.
The polarization of science conversations can make even the most seemingly innocuous topics fraught, but we can’t stop communicating. This forum will dive into ways that we might better engage with diverse listeners who could be potential partners in reducing risk. Expert panelists will take up a variety of topics, including common blocks to getting messages across, novel risk communication efforts, and how to recognize and reduce biases in communicating with others.