Stories of Urban Climate Change: Water

Stories of Urban Climate Change: Water

From The Story Collider by Story Collider, Inc.

April 10, 2026 · 32 min

About this episode

This episode features stories about the impact of water on urban environments and community safety in the context of climate change.

Water covers roughly 70 per cent of the Earth’s surface and is essential for human survival. But it can also unleash devastating consequences. In this week’s episode, both of our storytellers share tales about water — from flooding to polluted groundwater. Through their stories, we explore how water shapes our cities, our safety, and our sense of security in a changing climate. Part 1: While researching flood risk and insurance costs in California, international student Hannah Melville-Rea is shocked by just how unprotected many people are. Part 2: Patricia Schuba is determined to stop coal and waste pollution from contaminating the groundwater in Labadie, Missouri. Hannah Melville-Rea is a PhD candidate and Knight-Hennessy Scholar at Stanford University, pursuing an interdisciplinary degree in Environment and Resources. Her research focuses on flood risk and examines how infrastructure decisions shape insurance costs and household vulnerability. She works closely with local agencies to translate research into practical tools that strengthen community flood resilience. Raised in Osaka, Japan by parents who hail from Australia and New Zealand, Hannah developed an early interest in…

People in this episode

Guests: Hannah Melville-Rea, Patricia Schuba

Topics covered

  • urban climate change
  • water
  • flooding
  • pollution
  • community resilience

Keywords

  • climate change
  • flood risk
  • groundwater pollution
  • community safety
  • environmental policy

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Stanford University

Places: California, Labadie, Missouri, Osaka, Japan

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