Disaster Law, Emergency Preparedness and Response

Climate change is increasing both the frequency and severity of natural disasters. Are we prepared? Disasters have significant human, social, economic, and environmental impacts, and require close collaboration among local, state, and federal officials. Often there are international implications as well. Using real-life case studies -- including Hurricanes Harvey, Maria, and Irma, recent wildfires in California, and 9/11 -- students will explore the framework for disaster response and recovery, the policy choices involved in reducing vulnerability, and the complexities of federalism in action. Global perspectives on disasters will be included. Grades will be based on class participation and a final exam. The final exam will take place during the last class. This class will meet for the first half of the spring semester.