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The Politics of Flood Mapping and Its Implications for Climate Change Adaptation

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Friday, February 23, 2018
10:00 am - 11:00 pm
Sarah Pralle
Nicholas Institute for Environmental Policy Solutions and the University Program in Environmental Policy seminar series

Sarah Pralle, associate professor of political science at Syracuse University, will present "The Politics of Flood Mapping and Its Implications for Climate Change Adaptation," on Friday, February 23 in the Levine Science Research Center on Duke University's West campus.

Local communities are on the front lines of climate change adaptation, but we know relatively little about their willingness and ability to adapt to increased flooding and other climate risks. In this talk, Pralle will explore the Federal Emergency Management Agency flood remapping program and examine the ways local communities in the U.S. have responded to it. Because the flood mapping program is the cornerstone of the National Flood Insurance Program, local conversations often revolve around the costs of flood insurance rather than the risk of flooding. Moreover, the maps themselves are designed to establish insurance rates, not communicate current and future flood risks. Pralle will share thoughts on how policymakers might rethink flood insurance and flood mapping so as to promote more equitable and effective adaptation.

This talk is part of the Nicholas Institute for Environmental Policy Solutions and the University Program in Environmental Policy seminar series featuring leading experts discussing a variety of pressing environmentally focused topics.

Contact: Kate Cobb