National Center for Disaster Preparedness, Columbia University

04/22/2026

ICYMI: NCDP's Andrew Kruczkiewicz was recently quoted in a Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre blog on the potential development of El Niño later this year.

The article highlights evolving climate signals, potential global impacts, and the importance of preparedness and anticipatory action.

For dialogue on the topic, listen to a recent podcast of Outrage + Optimism, The Climate Podcast featuring Andrew. Link to the podcast in story.

Read more here:

The Climate Centre supports the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and its partners in reducing the impacts of climate change and extreme weather events on vulnerable people.

03/31/2026

Getting ready for the World Cup? So are we.

Join us in person on April 7 for a focused training on extreme weather preparedness for major sporting events, in preparation for upcoming World Cup activities at venues like MetLife Stadium.

⏳ Registration closes April 3 (required for security clearance)
🔗 Register now: https://luma.com/1jeudqxk

As global attention turns toward extreme weather stadium readiness during major international events, professionals across emergency management, meteorology, public safety, and transportation operations have a critical role to play.

At NCDP, we are working to strengthen coordination and scenario planning for high-visibility events like the World Cup.

This training is offered in partnership with:
• University of Hawai‘i System Pacific Urban Resilience Lab - PURL
• University of Hawai'i's National Disaster Preparedness Training Center
• Teachers College, Columbia University Center for Sustainable Futures

This session will bring together professionals working in:
• Extreme weather stadium and venue operations
• Emergency management and public safety
• Event planning and security coordination

Participants will explore key considerations for extreme weather readiness, coordination, and response in high-attendance, high-visibility environments. If you or your colleagues are involved in stadium readiness or large-scale event planning, we encourage you to register and share with your networks.

Extreme Weather Preparedness for World Cup Cities Training Join us in person on April 7th, 2026 for a hands-on training session focused on extreme weather…

03/10/2026

There is still time to register.

Climate and Disaster Risk Management for Organizational Leadership is a 7-week, virtual professional learning workshop taught by professor Jeff Schlegelmilch, director of the National Center for Disaster Preparedness, Columbia University.

This program is designed for anyone looking to strengthen their ability to lead and act in a rapidly changing world—whether in government, business, nonprofit, or community organizations.

Participants will be empowered to turn climate challenges into opportunities for innovation and resilience, gaining actionable insights on navigating risk, driving preparedness, and guiding recovery in a resilient organization.

Learn more/register by March 11, 2026:
https://www.climate.columbia.edu/climate-and-disaster-risk-management-organizational-leadership

The program runs Wednesdays 5:30-7:40pm from March 25 to May 6, 2026.

Columbia Climate School's Professional Learning programs are designed for working professionals and adult learners who want to develop new skills and explore new topics in climate and sustainability, especially to further job-related interests.

03/09/2026

Insurance payments and funding are the key needs for rebuilding, noted Jeff Schlegelmilch, MPH, MBA. In addition, locally driven innovations to help Altadena residents return home should be pushed and celebrated. https://ow.ly/TNXs50YrmEV

Los Angeles Public Press, Columbia Climate School

03/04/2026

🎧 How can financial tools help farmers survive an increasingly uncertain climate? In this podcast episode of Signals of Change, Mira Shah speaks with Dr. Daniel Osgood about climate risk, index insurance, and building economic resilience. https://ow.ly/YwKJ50YpjTJ

Columbia Climate School

Signals of Change · Episode

02/24/2026

Will AI weather models lead to better and faster extreme weather warnings? Andrew Kruczkiewicz is watching how forecasters prioritize AI predictions before issuing public warnings about incoming storms. More models do not always mean enhanced decision-making. https://ow.ly/RWMj50YlyfC

Columbia Climate School, Bloomberg

Two days before New York's biggest snowstorm in a decade began, forecasters were still unsure how much snow would fall. One traditional US model had consistently predicted a major hit, while newer artificial intelligence systems weren't so certain.

02/19/2026

As part of its Moonshot Goal 8 Program, scientists address the question: Is it possible to tame river flooding? Andrew Kruczkiewicz weighs in on this debate in a French article in Les Echos. https://ow.ly/BzEa50Yi9nK

Columbia Climate School

Les rivières atmosphériques, qui transportent l'humidité depuis les tropiques vers nos latitudes, sont des phénomènes extrêmement complexes. Certains rêvent de les détourner.

02/18/2026

What if disruptions to Tribal Nations’ homes, livestock, and lands from floods, wildfires, drought, and severe storms could be reduced through two-way communications? A new project centers Tribal voices to strengthen resilience. Twilio

What if disaster communication systems were designed to better reflect the priorities, knowledge systems, and lived realities of Tribal Nations?

In partnership with Tribal leaders, emergency managers, and community organizers, a collaborative National Center for Disaster Preparedness, Columbia University (NCDP) project aims to elevate and bridge Tribal voices in disaster risk communication to strengthen preparedness, improve response coordination, and enhance long-term resilience.

It's essential that the tool be grounded in cultural values and real relationships, says Dion Tapahe, NCDP graduate student researcher and member of the Diné/Navajo Nation. Many families live in multi-generational homes, where connections extend beyond the household to the community, livestock, and the land itself. Honoring these relationships will be central to how the tool is designed and used, add Tapahe.

"This project is exciting in that we are striving to develop cutting-edge, culturally grounded tools that communities can share, receive, and act on life-saving information during emergencies," says NCDP managing director Thomas Chandler.

Learn more via State of the Planet: https://news.climate.columbia.edu/2026/02/16/leveraging-risk-communications-to-bridge-tribal-voices/

📷 A central feature of the project is the development of two-way, text-and-voice-based disaster communication tools, which will enable residents to engage in scenario-based decision-making in a safe, accessible format, allowing them to practice responding before a real emergency unfolds.

02/17/2026

We are excited to join the esteemed international community of colleagues in the United Nations' Santiago Network by providing technical assistance on disaster loss and damage. https://santiago-network.org/about/members

Columbia Climate School. UNDRR

02/12/2026

Support has to be intentional by making science accessible through training, funding, pathways, & tools adapted to different communities & languages. When we remove barriers, women thrive, & the entire field benefits, noted Das Dores Ngueussie Ngamini. https://ow.ly/7a3n50YesAc

Columbia Climate School

Ngamini uses her background in atmospheric sciences and climate modeling to support research and solutions for climate adaptation and disaster preparedness.