Environment

Resilience, not Reaction

“It is more effective to fund resilience strategies than it is to rebuild after damage occurs," said Piehler, who is leading a $2 million research study.

Flooded New Bern, NC

“It is more effective to fund resilience strategies than it is to rebuild after damage occurs," said Piehler, who is leading a $2 million research study.

In recent years, the severe impacts of natural disasters, such as Hurricanes Matthew, Florence and Dorian, have negatively affected North Carolina communities more than ever.

Because of this, North Carolina’s policymakers have increased the state’s resilience against flooding from tropical storms and other excessive precipitation events, including funding for the “Strengthening Flood Resilience in Eastern North Carolina” study. Funded by the North Carolina Policy Collaboratory, this $2 million research study is led by Michael Piehler, director of the UNC Institute for the Environment.

“It is more effective to fund resilience strategies than it is to rebuild after damage occurs,” said Piehler. “So, resilience efforts are regarded as investments into a more stable future in every regard— including financially.”

Investments like these allow UNC System schools to work together to serve the state of North Carolina.

Read the complete Carolina Story to learn more about this transformative study…Opens in new window

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