Events

2017 Workshop

iCAR Phase III: Social Aspects of Resilience - Identifying key areas of social vulnerability and enhancing resilience

Highlights from iCar 2017

Date: October 4 – 5,  2017
Location: University of South Florida Saint Petersburg
Room: University Student Center (USC Ballroom)
200 6th Ave South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

This 2-day workshop, hosted by the Initiative on Coastal Adaptation and Resilience (iCAR), USF St. Petersburg and the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council ONE BAY Resilient Communities Working Group, will engage participants in discussion about social and physical vulnerabilities to coastal hazards, and efforts to build regional resiliency. Through a series of presentations and followed by facilitated discussions between experts from the national level, South Florida, and  Tampa Bay regions, participants will explore potential regional solutions and approaches for addressing the resilience and adaptations of coastal cities to climate change.

Workshop Objectives:

  • The conference will build-on previously identified research, data, and policy gaps and find strategies to link research agendas to public policy formulation that emphasizes solution-oriented approaches for coastal cities, with a particular focus on social aspect of resilience.
    Explore social vulnerability, viz. examine effects of climate change on society and many facets of social aspects of vulnerability and resilience.
  • Explore the relationship between vulnerability, awareness of flood hazards and the potential for increased flood events due to climate change, and a neighborhood’s ability to prepare for flood-related disasters (including accessibility and affordability of flood insurance).
  • Explore ways to reduce socio-economic marginalization by improving engagement, social capital and appropriate messaging.
  • Publish a proceeding called ‘Social Aspects of Resilience’.

Workshop Topics:

  • Explore current research to identify short-term climate change effects in the Tampa Bay Region and identify key areas of concern for planners and communities over the next few years;
  • Frame vulnerability in the context of climate change and associated impacts to the society, built-environment, and public health.
  • Explore and identify key factors in social vulnerability in the region, such as:
    • socio-economic marginalization, 
    • flood insurance and real estate: risk and climate change;
    • health risks associated with immediate climate change effects;
  • Explore and identify factors that enhance social resilience such as:
    • Strong social networks
    • Community appropriate educational outreach
    • Access to resources
  • Discuss and identify practical goals for the region in terms of research and outreach.
  • Publish conference proceedings

Who should attend:

  • Citizens, and Representatives from Homeowners Associations, Neighborhood Civic organizations
  • Businesses including but not limited to Insurance Industry, Real Estate, Consulting Firms
    NGOs (including interested in environmental and social justices) and social service providers (religious organizations, affinity organizations)
  • Students, Faculty & Researchers
  • Elected Officials & Government Administrators
  • Professionals involved in coastal resilience: Transportation and Urban Planners, Floodplain Managers, Emergency Managers, Public Works, Health Professionals, Natural Resource Managers, Engineers & Scientists.

Benefits:

  • Network and share information with other individuals engaged in coastal resilience planning throughout Florida
  • Shape research agendas and future climate adaptation efforts in the Tampa Bay region and beyond