Expert Interviews
Conversations with the scientists, government officials, and community leaders working on flooding and climate change in New York City and across the country.
August 2026
Interview by Will DuhlInterview with Ricky Bradley of Citizens' Climate Lobby on Bipartisan Climate Advocacy
Ricky Bradley, the Executive Director of Citizens' Climate Lobby, discusses his unique path to environmental lobbying, how CCL tries to influence government climate policy, and his optimism about the future.
Read the interview →August 2026
Interview by Will DuhlDiscussion with Sofia Mariyamis on the Importance of Community Engagement in Addressing the Flooding Crisis
Sofia Mariyamis, a Project Manager at FloodNet NYC, discusses partnering with community-based organizations, what she's learned working with vulnerable populations, and how growing up in a flood-prone neighborhood influenced her career path.
Read the interview →August 2026
Interview by Will DuhlA Conversation with Dr. Hayley Elszasz of the Natural Areas Conservancy on Climate Policy and NYC's Green Spaces
Dr. Elszasz discusses her time in NYC government building partnerships, the key findings from the city's research on growing climate risks, and the important role of NYC's natural spaces in mitigating flooding and severe weather events.
Read the interview →July 2026
Interview by Will DuhlInterview with Community Organizer Meredith McNair on Environmental Justice for the Jewel Streets
Meredith McNair, a Senior Community Planner at CHLDC, discusses her work in the flood-prone Jewel Streets community, how community organizing pushed the city to address decades of neglect, and why solving NYC's housing crisis also requires addressing climate vulnerability.
Read the interview →July 2026
Interview by Will DuhlA Discussion with James Stroud on FEMA, the Katrina Declaration, and Dealing with Future Natural Disasters
James Stroud discusses his path to FEMA, what compelled him to sign the Katrina Declaration, and why he sees the agency's current state as a serious risk heading into hurricane season.
Read the interview →July 2026
Interview by Will DuhlA Conversation with Professor Brett Branco on FloodNet and Vulnerable NYC Communities
Professor Branco talks about the city's flood sensor network and describes how it can build trust with local communities and be leveraged to reduce dangerous flooding.
Read the interview →More interviews coming soonCheck back for new conversations with scientists, community leaders, and climate activists.