University Scholar Lecture Series - Beverley C. Wemple, Ph.D.

Uploaded by rlynn1 on 11/11/2022

Tags: University Scholars   University Scholar Lecture Series   UVM Graduate College  

Lecture title: Building Resilience to Extreme Events: Lessons from rivers, roads, and rural communities Description: Rapid rates of environmental change are motivating scientists and communities to consider how we can improve resilience to extreme events. Extreme rainfall events and subsequent flooding are becoming the most widely experienced and costly of natural disasters, posing considerable challenges to communities and infrastructure. In this talk, I describe research that examines the vulnerabilities of mountainous landscapes to extreme flooding, focusing on steep mountain rivers, transportation infrastructure, and rural communities. I describe insights from my research into building system resilience to flooding and associated water quality challenges through the application of low-cost storm water controls and the adoption of “nature-based” solutions. I also highlight some of the challenges ahead in predicting flooding and opportunities to support communities in building resilience to flooding.