National Center for Disaster Preparedness Archives - State of the Planet

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
researchers sitting on ice with equipment

Year in Review: Our Top Stories of 2022

A list of some of our most popular articles and videos, plus some of our favorites that you shouldn’t miss.

by |December 22, 2022

2022 Climate News You Should Know

Climate School experts weigh in on the past year’s most noteworthy events and developments within their fields.

by Elise Gout |December 19, 2022
map shows total enacted bills by state

New Climate School Report Details State Policy Trends in Disaster Resilience

As disasters become more expensive, state-level recovery measures are increasing in importance. A new report sheds light on state efforts to prioritize disaster resilience and recovery.

by Lucia Bragg, Gillian McBride, Jeffrey Schlegelmilch, and Lauren Esposito |December 13, 2022

Books for the Climate and Sustainability Enthusiasts in Your Life

Give the gift of deeper knowledge with these new books written by Columbia University scholars.

by |December 9, 2022
core repository

Presenting Climate LIVE K12: RSVP for Winter 2022 and Spring 2023 Sessions

In the Climate LIVE video series, experts from across the Columbia Climate School present climate and sustainability content for grade school and university students, educators, parents, and the public.

by Laurel Zaima and Christina Deodatis |October 11, 2022