Drexel University is spearheading climate change resilience initiatives in Philadelphia through two major projects. The university has joined the Academic Network to Support Urban Water Resilience (ANSUWR), collaborating with local institutions on water-related climate issues. Drexel also contributed to developing the Climate Resilience Research Agenda (CRRA) for the Philadelphia Region.
Franco Montalto, PhD, professor of civil, architectural and environmental engineering, is a principal investigator for the Consortium for Climate Risks in the Urban Northeast (CCRUN), which released the CRRA. This agenda, resulting from collaboration between Drexel, the City of Philadelphia, and other organizations, sets priorities for addressing climate change effects in the area.
Montalto emphasized collaborative efforts, stating, “It is gratifying to know that so many individuals and organizations are willing to work together to make sure that we are asking the right questions and making practical, data-driven recommendations.”
The CRRA focused on key areas including climate hazards, health vulnerability, infrastructure systems, and regional climate governance. Montalto stressed the importance of community partnerships, noting the value of lived experiences in climate-impacted neighborhoods.
These initiatives build on Drexel’s 2019 “Climate Year” commitment to prioritize climate change across its institutional practices, curriculum, research, and civic engagement.
