Resilience in a Changing World: Human Responses to Crisis and Climate

As climate change drives more frequent natural disasters, why don’t more people move to safer places? In my research, I uncover how financial barriers—and even the way government disaster aid is distributed—shape whether and where people relocate after wildfires in California. Come hear how improving aid policies could help people adapt more effectively to our changing climate.

As a social scientist who studies crises and violence, I am frequently inspired by the courage, resilience, and compassion people show in times of uncertainty and vulnerability. In this talk, I will explore the roots of our increasingly volatile social world and reflect on how we can navigate it with resilience and compassion and actions we can take to support ourselves and others. I hope to end on a hopeful note and invite the audience to share their own experiences and insights.