National Center for Disaster Preparedness Archives - State of the Planet

Map of the US depicting states color-coded by number of bills passed (between 1 and 16)

State Legislatures Continue to Enact Disaster Policies in 2023

States have already filed at least 103 bills related to disaster resilience. Columbia Climate School’s National Center for Disaster Preparedness reports on what has been achieved so far.

by Lucia Bragg, Abigail Menendez, Gillian McBride |June 12, 2023
Thick smoke from Canadian wildfires darkens the sky in New York City.

How Wildfire Smoke Can Travel Thousands of Miles, and How to Protect Yourself

Columbia Climate School experts comment on the dangerous air pollution from Canadian wildfires.

by |June 8, 2023
map of us in shades of red, orange, and yellow

New Tool Helps Communities Prepare for Natural Hazards

A revamped map lets you zoom in to check the climate, weather, and geological hazards in your own backyard and then learn how to protect yourself.

by Emily Halnon |May 19, 2023
flat rocky area with mountains in the distance

New Program for High School Students Will Explore Climate Complexity in Chile and Argentina

A Columbia Climate School expert shares her goals for the Climate Corps Pre-College Chile and Argentina Program.

by Laurel Zaima-Sheehy and Christina Deodatis |April 12, 2023
man looking at papers

Climate School Internship Opportunities for Summer 2023

A variety of positions are available. Applications will be accepted until Monday, April 24.

by Yana Zeltser |April 10, 2023
jeff schlegelmilch in washington dc

Why It’s So Hard to Be Prepared for Disasters

Disaster expert Jeffrey Schlegelmilch discusses February’s devastating earthquake in Turkey and Syria, the challenges to building resilience, and how emergencies can reveal the inner workings of a society.

by Daniella Zandi |March 15, 2023

New Trainings Will Lead the Way on Climate Resilience and Equitable Disaster Response

With a $1.5 million grant from FEMA, Columbia Climate School’s National Center for Disaster Preparedness will create and deliver trainings on climate resilience with a focus on equity for state, local, tribal, and territorial emergency managers.

by |January 30, 2023

Flooding in California: What Went Wrong, and What Comes Next

Climate School experts help to explain this devastating weather and what it means in the broader conversation of climate change and disaster response.

by |January 12, 2023
2023 total bills by state

What Climate Resilience Policies Are in Store for State Legislatures in 2023?

States have already filed at least 39 bills related to disaster resilience. Here, a closer look at what they focus on.

by Lucia Bragg |January 11, 2023

2023 Climate Resolutions: How Will You Make a Difference Next Year?

Our elected officials, community leaders, experts, and students discuss their 2023 climate resolutions. What will yours be?

by |December 27, 2022