Reimagining Flood Risk and Protection: Moving Beyond Legacy Systems

Join the Center for Geospatial Analytics and the Climate and Sustainability Academy for a special Geospatial Forum panel discussion.

Current approaches for assessing flood risk and protecting people and infrastructure in the United States are rooted in regulatory frameworks established in the late 1960s. Floodplain mapping, insurance requirements and building standards continue to reflect assumptions and benchmarks developed more than half a century ago, despite rapidly changing climate, land use and exposure. This panel brings together experts from different domains to critically examine whether these legacy systems remain adequate for today’s and tomorrow’s challenges. We will explore strategies that challenge the status quo and consider what is needed to more effectively manage flood risk in a changing environment. Taking a forward-looking, interdisciplinary perspective — spanning insurance, economics, hazard modeling, communication, governance and policy — the discussion will explore where and when damage is expected, who will be most affected and how risks can be managed more equitably, proactively and effectively.

Mary Smith, an investigative reporter at CBS 17, will moderate the panel discussion. The panelists will be:

Katherine Anarde, assistant professor of coastal engineering in NC State’s Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental EngineeringSteven Koller, insurance research and policy engagement manager at Insurance for Good and research fellow at Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing StudiesGian Tavares, director of the State Resilience Office at the NC Department of Environmental QualityHere is the schedule for the forum:

2:30-3 p.m.: A reception, including coffee and light snacks, in Room 1214 at Jordan Hall Addition3-4:30 p.m.: A panel discussion in Room 1216 at Jordan Hall Addition4:30-6:30 p.m.: A social at the Center for Geospatial Analytics (Rooms 5111/5119) in Jordan HallWe hope to see you in person, but you may join us virtually.

To register for this event, click the registration link above, not the "Add to calendar" button. The button creates a personal reminder on your calendar. If you use it, you won’t receive event updates or notify the event hosts that you're attending.

The panel discussion is part of Research Week at NC State. For more information about Research Week, visit the Office of Research and Innovation's website.