Guest post by Carley Petrone, KLA's Climate Analysis Manager
In today’s world, climate change is reshaping the realities that we once held true. With events like Hurricane Helene that devastated Western North Carolina, the deadliest U.S. hurricane since Katrina, the notion of a “climate haven” is proving to be increasingly uncertain.
In one week, Helene dumped 40 trillion gallons of water across the Southeast —or enough rainwater to fill 60 million Olympic-size swimming pools. Unfortunately, this event is not expected to be a one-time occurrence. With climate change, scientists expect storms to become more frequent and intense as rising ocean temperatures fuel stronger winds and warmer air holds more moisture, leading to heavier rainfall and increased flooding.
The economic toll of natural disasters tells the same story. In 2022 alone, the cost of natural disasters exceeded $360 billion across the globe, including more than 40 weather events causing over $1 billion in damage. These numbers reiterate the urgent need for every community, regardless of geography, to invest in resilience and adaptation measures. Side note: Generally speaking, resilience indicates the ability to prepare for, recover from, and adapt to climate impacts and adaptation is described as “adjustments to how we live, work, and play to keep us safe from the impacts of climate change.” They are sometimes used interchangeably though there are distinct differences. For purposes of this article, we’re talking broader climate resilience.
The good news: every $1 invested in resilience and disaster preparedness saves $13 in economic impact, damage, and cleanup costs after the event, according to the Climate Resiliency Report from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Allstate, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. Bottom line is it’s a smart investment whether you’re staring down more hurricanes, flooding, or extreme heat.
A new tool from the Washington Post claims to help you "See if your city is poised to bounce back from the next climate disaster" and breaks resilience into: infrastructure, economic strength, good governance and social cohesion. "Most people think about good schools, safe streets or desirable jobs when considering where to live. As climate risks inexorably rise, how well your community bounces back from a climate-related disaster — or even a bad thunderstorm — will begin to weigh more heavily on the value of your home...Resilient cities hold their value and appeal to new and current residents, enabling even risky places to thrive."
But even though we know proactive investment is effective at minimizing long term damage, public budgets often fall short. With this in mind, KLA has been helping our clients with cost effective, high impact ways to build resilience.
Community Networks
Strong social networks are vital during disasters. The simple act of knowing your neighbors can often be the needed lifeline during extreme weather events. When people have strong, trusting connections within their communities, they are more likely to check in on each other, share resources, and coordinate support. For example, during power outages, neighbors can share essentials like batteries, water, or a generator, making it easier to manage until power is restored. Simple low-cost activities, like organizing neighborhood block parties, help foster these relationships and create a foundation of mutual support. Cambridge, MA, offers grants to host block parties: ““Block party potlucks and games bring neighbors together for fun, but the parties also help build more connected, resilient neighborhoods,” said Nancy Porter, Director of Equity, Resilience and Preparedness at the Cambridge Public Health Department. Porter noted that in communities where social ties are strong, residents are better able to handle adversity, such as damaging storms or illness. “We want neighbors to become friendly with each other in good times, so they can be there for each other when the pipes burst or there’s a major emergency.”
Many towns and cities are also investing in resilience hubs - designated community spaces equipped with supplies, charging stations, and emergency resources. One of KLA’s clients, New Bedford, MA, is working to transform their abandoned Capitol Theater into a resilience hub that supports economic and social resilience for its residents. 
Green Infrastructure
Green infrastructure is another powerful tool for enhancing community resilience. Parks, green roofs, permeable pavements, rain gardens, street trees can all play a role in helping communities withstand extreme weather. During extreme storm events, these features help absorb stormwater, reducing flood risks and preventing sewer system overflows. These solutions not only address immediate climate risks but also provide long-term benefits, from improving air quality to enhancing public health. New Bedford is leading by example with the implementation of their Green Infrastructure Master Strategy. This strategy identifies priority areas for green infrastructure, particularly in environmental justice communities with urban flooding or heat island impacts. The City has already made progress on the strategy’s recommendations and continues to work toward bringing more cost-effective green infrastructure solutions to New Bedford.
Emergency Preparedness
Proactive emergency preparedness is essential for empowering residents with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to handle emergencies effectively. Communities cannot always rely on government assistance to respond immediately during disasters; instead, they must be equipped to take ownership of their safety. Many of KLA’s clients have Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) programs, which can help this effort by educating volunteers on disaster preparedness and training them in basic response skills. For example, in Cary, NC, the Cary Fire Department offers free CERT training to help residents better prepare for severe weather and other emergencies. By fostering a culture of preparedness, communities can reduce the impacts of disasters, protect lives, and minimize recovery costs.
Turning Lessons into Action
Resilience planning cannot be done effectively without actively involving community members every step of the way. Community engagement helps ensure that resilience strategies reflect the priorities, values, and needs of every community member. By including voices that have historically been marginalized, communities can build trust, raise awareness, and empower residents to take action in their own lives.
Given the urgency of the crisis at hand, KLA is focused on high-impact resilience solutions that deliver the most bang for your buck. Some other examples of high impact actions include:
- Neighborhood-level air quality mapping
- Coastal overlay districts with building elevation requirements or resilient design standards
- Free transit on poor air quality days
- Nighttime cooling centers
- Cool surfaces (roofs, pavements, parking lots, playgrounds)
- Heat advisory alerts for outdoor workers, the elderly and other vulnerable populations
This fall we watched as residents of the North Carolina mountains had to evacuate their homes -- some of them fleeing TO, not FROM, coastal areas -- due to a hurricane. That should be a pretty clear wake-up call to prioritize resilience everywhere, not just in areas and ways traditionally seen as vulnerable. Even small-scale efforts can make a difference.
Other resilience resources:
Where, How and Why Equity is at the Core of Climate Resilience Planning
Climate Resilience Takes Center Stage As Climate Impacts Intensify
NOAA Climate Resilience Toolkit
