Is 2020 Over? Responding to Multiple Disasters Amid COVID-19 and Climate Change

It feels like 2020 has lasted 15 years. The Center for Disaster Philanthropy (CDP) team started following COVID-19 in January while we were also responding to the Australian wildfires and the earthquakes in Puerto Rico. The beginning of the year is usually a slower time, but 2020 began as it meant to go on: with continual disasters all existing within the context of the global pandemic. It has also been a year when climate change has given us urgent reminders of its impact on disasters.

In this webinar, the CDP team reflected on lessons learned, challenges and opportunities presented by different disasters – particularly wildfires, hurricanes and the derecho – and how COVID-19 has framed the response. We also shared insights from our response to the global pandemic and how climate change has affected the disaster landscape.

Grantmakers and donors learned about some of the organizations doing critical work on the ground and how they can support response and recovery in ways that prioritize communities of color and other vulnerable populations during these challenging times.

CDP President and CEO Patricia McIlreavy moderated the discussion and panelists included:

• Brennan Banks, director of disaster recovery funds, CDP
• Cari Cullen, program manager, Midwest Early Recovery Fund
• Tanya Gulliver-Garcia, assistant director of major initiatives, CDP
• Sally Ray, director of strategic initiatives, CDP

This webinar was co-sponsored by United Philanthropy Forum, Philanthropy California, the Funders’ Network for Smart Growth and Livable Communities, Council on Foundations, Iowa Council of Foundations, Southeastern Council of Foundations, Grantmakers in Health and Community Foundation of Southwest Louisiana.

Please see the slide deck and watch the webinar recording to learn more: