Data-Driven and Equity-Driven Tools to Assess Climate, Health, and Equity Locally (On-demand webinar)

Note: This is a recording of a webinar held on September 16, 2021.

Which data and tools can help us determine patterns of unfair differences and drive equitable solutions? This presentation will introduce a range of actionable tools, applied nationally to indicate vulnerability at the nexus of climate change, health, and equity. Equity is deeply connected to all health issues, and climate risks are exacerbating these problems. How can we promote interventions which maximize co-benefits and holistically foster well-being?  

This session will explore socioeconomic risks and correlate them to disaster risk. Are there links between flood risk hotspots and other geographic factors which exacerbate disadvantaged communities? Where are there vulnerable populations located in high storm surge zones?  Households with severe cost burden are less likely to have savings to prepare for, stay safe during, and recover from hurricanes and environmental hazards.  

With COVID-19 intersecting with hurricane season, we have seen the dramatic interactions and cascading impacts of dual disasters. How can we bring these issues to light and drive positive change in our most susceptible areas? We will share how the Florida and Georgia Hurricane Response Hubs have been promoting data-driven leverage to prioritize resources and support. 

The course contains two modules: a content module and a resources and evaluation module. After accessing both modules, learners will earn a certificate of completion. When the certificate is available, learners will see a Certificate button on their dashboard.

This recording is approximately 90 minutes. There are no prerequisites. Participants will need a broadband internet connection (Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred browsers) and computer speakers. For technical support, please contact emoryphtc@emory.edu.

About the Trainer

Keren Bolter, PhD is Arcadis’s Urban and Coastal Resiliency expert. She leads climate change initiatives which focus on communication that translates information to action. Her experience includes creating and teaching about risk mapping tools which foster data-driven decision-making and collaboration. Dr. Bolter’s background in climate research utilizes LIDAR elevation, storm surge, and groundwater data. Her analyses overlay assets, health data, and socioeconomic data to determine the consequences of climate-related shocks and stressors. She has presented her models and research via 2 TEDx talks, and on NBC, PBS, National Geographic and more.  

Dr. Bolter conducts benefit cost analyses for pre-disaster mitigation to support funding. Her efforts for funding infrastructure resilience have led the development of successful grant applications that led to a cumulative award total of over $85M. 

This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under grant number UB6HP31680, Public Health Training Centers for $4,348,992. This information or content and conclusions are those of the author and should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.