Climate change and climate-fueled extreme events like floods, wildfires, and heat waves are imposing significant financial costs on American households and families. Join the Urban Institute as we explore the causes and consequences of household financial stress attributable to climate extremes. This event will include a discussion with the assistant secretary of the US Department of the Treasury, Graham Steele, about the Treasury’s work on climate change and American household finances. It will also feature a panel discussion about the household financial burdens imposed by climate change and opportunities that households, communities, and policymakers have to prepare and respond.

Event Agenda

Welcome and Fireside Chat: 

• Signe-Mary McKernan, Vice President, Labor, Human Services, and Population, Urban Institute

• Graham Steele, Assistant Secretary, US Department of the Treasury

Presentation: 

• Andrew Rumbach, Senior Fellow and Co-lead, Climate and Communities Practice Area, Urban Institute

Panel Discussion: 

• Suzanna Fritzberg, Deputy Assistant Secretary, US Department of the Treasury

• Natalie Grant, Director, Office of Human Services Emergency Preparedness, Administration for Children and Families, US Department of Health and Human Services

• Aaron Levy, Division Director, Individual and Community Preparedness, Federal Emergency Management Agency

• Shannon Van Zandt, Professor, Department of Landscape Architecture & Urban Planning, Texas A&M University

• Sara McTarnaghan, Senior Research Associate and Co-lead, Climate and Communities Practice Area, Urban Institute (moderator) 

This event is available for in-person or virtual participation. Please be sure to register correctly. In-person check-in will begin at 12:30 p.m. Light lunch will be available. Proof of COVID-19 vaccination, including one booster shot, is required to attend this event in person.  Please be prepared to show proof of your vaccinations upon arrival. 

We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals to engage fully. Please email [email protected] if you require any accommodations or have any questions about this event.