Flooding

Supporting Knowledge and Action

Flooding is a threat to the livelihoods and well-being of the communities that experience it, any of which face a larger suites of challenges shaped by historical legacies of racism and inequality. Within New York City, flooding stems from various places. Research and policy often focus on specific types of flooding, but flood waters can seriously impact streets, homes, businesses, subways, schools, and infrastructure regardless of the cause. As a result, academic institutions that help create a bridge between knowledge about flooding and action, can also support intentional collaboration amongst stakeholders and sustained impact.

Serving this role, SRIJB engages in a portfolio of projects, in the Jamaica Bay watershed and beyond, that demonstrate the value of using science to empower communities; but also leveraging communities to reinforce the strength and relevancy of the science. Projects like Community Flood Watch and FloodNet exemplify this and have emerged from frequent and sustained dialogue with Jamaica Bay communities.