EXPERT PANEL SERIES: Climate Change and Human Mobility, #4: Community Resilience in California
Expert Panel Briefing: Community Resilience in California
Date: January 15, 2026
Time: 12:00–1:15 PM PT
Format: Virtual (Zoom)
Watch the Event: Watch here
Overview
This briefing examined how communities and local and regional governments in California are addressing the growing challenge of climate-induced human mobility. As extreme disaster events, sea-level rise, and other climate impacts displace populations, communities face unprecedented pressure on infrastructure, public services, and social systems. Our panelists shared best practices for building resilience across sectors, including expanding healthcare access for climate migrants, leveraging data systems to anticipate migration patterns and coordinate resources, and developing adaptive infrastructure that balances immediate needs with long-term sustainability. Through case studies and comparative analysis, panelists highlighted solutions for building community resilience and identify remaining gaps in supporting both displaced populations and receiving communities as human mobility accelerates in the coming decades.
Structure:
- Expert Panel, featuring:
- Primitiva Hernández – 805Undocufund
- Michael Mendez - University of California, Irvine
- Ali Mostafavi - Texas A&M University
- Sheri Weiser - University of California, San Francisco
Moderator
Doug Parsons – Host, America Adapts podcast