FEMA at a Crossroads: What's Breaking, What's Working, and What Comes Next with NRDC
About this episode
The episode discusses the current challenges and changes facing FEMA in the context of climate adaptation and resilience.
In episode 242 of America Adapts , host Doug Parsons checks in on FEMA at a moment of rapid change. With funding delays, political uncertainty, and major reforms underway, FEMA's role in national resilience is shifting in real time. Doug speaks with four guests — Joel Scata (NRDC), Michael Coen (former FEMA Chief of Staff), Samantha Medlock (former FEMA Assistant Administrator), and Derrick Hiebert (AECOM) — to unpack what's happening inside the agency, where communities are feeling the impacts, and what potential improvements could emerge from this period of transition. It's a candid, timely look at the future of FEMA and the evolving landscape of climate adaptation in the United States. Experts in this Episode : Joel Scata – Senior Attorney, Environmental Health – Natural Resources Defense Council - transcript Michael Coen – Former Chief Of Staff at FEMA - transcript Samantha Medlock – Founder and Principal – Climate Risk Advisors - transcript Derrick Hiebert – Infrastructure Resilience Practice Leader - AECOM - transcript This episode was generously sponsored by the Natural Resources Defense Council . Check out the America Adapts Media Kit here ! Subscribe to the America…
People in this episode
Host: Doug Parsons
Guests: Joel Scata, Michael Coen, Samantha Medlock, Derrick Hiebert
Topics covered
- FEMA
- climate adaptation
- national resilience
- political uncertainty
- funding delays
- agency reforms
Keywords
- FEMA
- climate change
- resilience
- funding
- politics
- reforms
- adaptation
Sponsors
Natural Resources Defense Council
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: AECOM, FEMA
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