How do high school students respond to the climate crisis and post-disaster community recovery plans?
Mind map of students’ disaster preparedness at the beginning of the course.
How high school students respond to the climate crisis and plan Community resilience After the disaster? The students solved this problem in a week-long virtual immersion course. Climate change, disasters and recovery: an introduction to resilient community planningIt is coordinated by Professor Josh DeVincenzo of the National Disaster Preparedness Center (NCDP) of Columbia University’s School of Climatology, and coordinated by Columbia University’s School of Professional Studies. This course brings different perspectives to students from China, Bulgaria, the United Kingdom, Guatemala, and students from all over the United States. At a truly powerful moment during the course introduction, the global connection to the subject of climate change and disasters was obvious, with students spanning multiple regions listing the various hazards and disasters affecting their communities. Many student anecdotes, from volcanic eruptions to intense floods, laid the foundation for a deeper understanding of the material.
Mind map of students’ disaster preparedness at the end of the course.
This intensive week begins when students learn about climate change from a scientific and social perspective. Discussed the entire community and systematic approaches to mitigating climate change, and identified various disciplines and specialties involved in disaster recovery and preparedness. Through case studies, speakers, and historical events, students understand how hazards, impacts, and preventive measures affect the community. To apply these concepts, an emergency operations center led by students and a long-term recovery team were established to respond to and recover from a simulated hurricane disaster that occurred as a tabletop exercise. Dr. Thomas Chandler and Christopher Tingley of NCDP joined the group as consultants to help students deal with disasters. A post-action report was created as the culmination of the class, in which the students exchanged what steps should be taken to mitigate the impact of climate change and disasters, and submitted the plan to the NCDP team members.
Although this week focused on the challenges surrounding climate change and disaster management, the students were given an optional assignment to develop a column article focusing on solutions. The following are notable snippets:
“The solutions to climate change are not universal. It is also important to focus on smaller communities and help meet their needs. Connecting with smaller communities can reduce climate-induced discrimination, because it provides direct help to the affected communities.” ~ Nathalie Lelogeais, high school immersion student
“When a fire sweeps through California, it will burn the homes of the rich and the poor. Disaster assistance is trapped in a reactive structure that takes a one-size-fits-all mentality.” ~ Naomi Brice, high school immersion student
Look to the future
The participation, insight, enthusiasm and enthusiasm of the students in this course is inspiring. Students meet the challenges of learning and participation in a virtual environment. They found common ground and were able to collaborate well and appreciate different perspectives. We are happy to see what will happen next.
“Although climate change and many issues are intertwined and seem very intimidating, I think this course has prepared me a way to deal with it and provided tools that I will be able to use for the rest of my life. I am now better than It has been more urgent in the past, but I am also full of hope for the future when these problems are solved.” ~ High School Immersion Student
“What I learned from this course is all the different teams and people involved in disaster relief and how much effort it takes to recover from the disaster. I have learned a lot in this course, and I am very grateful to have such an experience.” ~ High school immersion student
To learn more about the Columbia High School immersion program, please visit Columbia University School of Professional Studies. To learn more about disaster research, work, policies and practices, please visit National Disaster Preparedness Center. To learn more about climate change education and research, please visit Columbia University School of Climate.
