COVID-19 Preparedness & Recovery: An Opportunity for a Stronger New England
As local and state government agencies frantically respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, a series of meaningful risks and opportunities are being revealed that align with experiences and challenges in the climate change preparedness arena. In partnership with the Association for Climate Change Officers (ACCO) and the Southeast New England Program (SNEP) Network, Throwe Environmental hosted a four-part series of lunchtime webinar discussions examining how we can respond to the pandemic with an approach that builds a stronger New England, revitalizes communities, and takes steps to protect them from future disaster scenarios.
Webinar 1: “Comparing Messaging & Messengers from COVID 19 and Climate Change”
What messaging is successfully resonating with the general public on preparedness? Why are some of the COVID-19 communications efforts working, while others not? And how do these efforts relate to some of the lessons we’ve learned over the past decade in climate change related communications? Join us for a discussion featuring science communication experts and seasoned local government leaders.
Presenters:
• Joanne Throwe, President, Throwe Environmental
• Daniel Kreeger, Executive Director, ACCO
Special Guest:
• Jennifer Roberts, Director, Path to Positive Community, ecoAmerica (58th Mayor of Charlotte)
Webinar 2: “The Intersection of Preparedness, Recovery, Pandemics and Climate Events”
How do our efforts on pandemic preparedness and recover relate to similar efforts in the context of climate change and related extreme events? Historically, more than 90% of Federal disaster funds are spent in recovery instead of preparedness. Let’s examine how we can leverage this challenging time to shift to a preparedness mindset. Join climate change, sustainability and resilience practitioners leading efforts in local governments for a dynamic discussion on aligning these efforts.
Presenters:
• Joanne Throwe, President, Throwe Environmental
• Daniel Kreeger, Executive Director, ACCO
Special Guests:
• Dr. Nancy Gassman, Assistant Public Works Director for Sustainability, City of Fort Lauderdale
• Lisa McNeilly, Director of Sustainability & Resilience, City of Baltimore
Webinar 3: “Prioritizing and Valuing Investments in Resilience”
Not all programs, projects and assets are made equal – and we can’t fix or protect everything and everyone in our community. So how do we prioritize and value resilience investments? Local government leaders are faced with the challenge of prioritizing actions and investments and standing behind their decisions. Let’s explore how we can better position community leaders to make the most of the precious human and financial capital available to them.
Presenters:
• Joanne Throwe, President, Throwe Environmental
• Daniel Kreeger, Executive Director, ACCO
Special Guest:
• Lindene Patton (Earth and Water Law, LLC)
• Sean Carpenter (Climate Economy Advisor, City of Fort Collins)
Webinar 4: “Managing Shifts in Community Resilience Priorities in Light of COVID 19”
Climate change and sustainability initiatives are being sidelined as a result of the pandemic. Whether the cause of this interruption is a short-term shift in focus, or the long-term availability of funding resources, local government leaders will need to develop strategies for managing interruptions, preserving relationships, aligning initiatives with other more emergent or valued priorities, and revitalizing stalled efforts down the road.
Presenters:
• Joanne Throwe, President, Throwe Environmental
• Daniel Kreeger, Executive Director, ACCO
Special Guest:
• Chris Castro, Director, Office of Sustainability & Resilience, City of Orlando
• Nancy Smith, Program Manager of Community Engagement, Boston Public Health Commission