Science Talk: Urban Flood Forecasting and Community-Based Risk Mitigation
Urban flooding poses severe climate-induced risks, particularly in densely populated and vulnerable regions. This research integrates artificial intelligence (AI), high-resolution modeling, and community-based strategies. AI-driven forecasting, tested in Mumbai and transferable to New York City, uses machine learning and remote sensing data for real-time flood predictions. A participatory framework further integrates social vulnerability and stakeholder input to implement equitable nature-based solutions. Overall, this research advances the UN Sustainable Development Goals by enhancing climate resilience, adaptive infrastructure, and community-focused disaster management.
NYC's Rising Waters | Sustainability Matters
On the monthly show Sustainability Matters, Prof. Reza Khanbilvardi and Dr. Michael Menser delve into the topic of community-driven initiatives. We also focus on the restoration efforts of Jamaica Bay’s shoreline. Hosted by Tria Case, the program explores the far-reaching effects of climate change, the role of renewable energies, and sustainable practices being adopted in New York City.
In the context of NYC’s rising water levels, we analyze the mitigation strategies being put in place to address this ongoing issue. By speaking with a wide array of experts from various sustainability disciplines, we aim to highlight the most recent advancements in the field and reveal emerging career paths to foster a more sustainable future.
* Dr. Reza khanbilvardi, featured on WNYC radio talk show, September 15, 2021
Dr. Reza Khanbilvardi, Executive Director of the CUNY Remote Sensing Earth System Institute was invited to speak at the WNYC’s “The Brian Lehrer Show” (https://www.wnyc.org/story/how-prevent-more-deaths-nycs-basement-apartments/), on Wednesday September 15, 2021. Invited panelist and Pratt Center for Community Development’s senior program manager discusses urban planning on the talk show “How to Prevent More Deaths in NYC’s Basement Apartments”. The focus is Hurricane Ida’s aftermath on NYC, especially its deadly impact on urban flooding and basement apartments. Dr. Khanbilvardi attributes recent severe storms to climate change, leading to more frequent and intense precipitation. He details why basement apartments flooded and how geography influenced flash floods. He suggests ways to make residences safer, improve NYC’s stormwater collection efficiency, and address worsening storms due to climate change for more resilient neighborhoods. He also answered questions about this issue, which has significantly affected New Yorkers.
