These inland hazards are going to be much more common in the future.” Upcoming research led by Aldrich reveals that disastrous events — including storms, floods, coastal erosion and wildfires — are happening with more regularity.

— Daniel P. Aldrich, Co-Director at GRI


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Upcoming research led by Aldrich reveals that disastrous events — including storms, floods, coastal erosion and wildfires — are happening with more regularity. “We like to think that this happens every few months or even years,” says Aldrich, a professor of political science and public policy who has published five books and directs Northeastern’s Global Resilience Studies program. “But we have empirical evidence showing that over the last two decades, the time period between major shocks is shrinking. That means the government has less capacity to deal with these kinds of problems and there are fewer resources and volunteer workers available.” Aldrich has been working with Sen. Laphonza Butler (D-California) on the “Investing in Community Resilience Act of 2024,” a bill designed to reduce the financial burden of natural events on local communities, enhance individual and community preparedness, and promote participation in federally-supported resilience programs.

“It matters because most of the money that we spend after a natural hazard is to rebuild as was,” says Aldrich, who spoke Monday with Northeastern Global News about the issues of preparedness and recovery. “What are the things on the ground that we should be thinking about ahead of time — before the next flood, before the next fire — that will make communities safer? “We have a lot of work to do before the next round of natural hazards. Because this is certainly not going to be the last one we’ll be facing.”