Adaptation as a Necessity: Building Resilience Approaches
Optimisms and Cautions on a Finite Planet
Caution - Are climate adaptation and resilience projects, programs and initiatives scalable on a planet with over 8 billion individuals? Will a Tempe, AZ climate adaptation project scale and be replicable with a Himalayan mountain community?
Optimism - Everyone. Every population deserves the opportunity to adapt to climate change. This session will demonstrate why how we think, and most importantly, how we feel, provides the foundation for successful climate adaptation programs, projects and initiatives.
Join Jason Sandman (Dual Benefit Climate Adaptation Expert) for an intensive exploration of climate adaptation through a holistic lens, revealing proven approaches to building resilience that actually work.
Key Takeaways
Adaptation Through a Social Work Lens — How to center vulnerable populations, why this work demands a high emotional IQ, and evolving emergency/disaster response practices.
Funding & Financing That Works — Navigating various programs, financing opportunities, and avoiding common funding pitfalls.
Protecting What Matters — A human-centered approach: Strategies for safeguarding cultural heritage while building climate resilience for various populations.
Measuring Real Impact — Modern approaches to monitoring and evaluation that avoid harmful legacy frameworks.
From Policy to Practice — Case studies in government program design, what local solutions may look like and projects addressing adaptation challenges. How can we avoid maladaptation pitfalls?
Time & Date: August 25th @ 6pm CEST (12pm EDT)
Platform: Live on Circle
Who Should Attend:
This event is specifically designed for climate professionals working across sectors. With a concentration on those professionals with an interest in, or existing practice of, external-facing, population-specific climate adaptation-related services
Students, recent graduates or those exploring start-up ideas that deliver impact
Climate consultants seeking deeper adaptation expertise
Grant writers and program managers in the climate space
Municipal and/or government staff developing or implementing adaptation plans
Non-profit leaders managing community resilience programs
Social workers and community organizers addressing climate impacts
Anyone seeking to understand adaptation through an equity and justice lens
4WARD's Strategic Climate Adaptation & Risk Advisory Services
Climate Adaptation & Risk Assessment - Strategic planning for climate resilience across sectors and scales
Corporate & Municipal Decarbonization - Evidence-based pathways to net-zero emissions with measurable outcomes
Sustainability Strategy & Implementation - Holistic approaches that integrate social equity, environmental justice, and economic viability
Grant Strategy & Development - Specialized support for climate funding opportunities including federal infrastructure programs
Community Engagement & Stakeholder Relations - Frameworks for meaningful participation in climate planning processes
Monitoring, Evaluation & Impact Measurement - Systems for tracking progress and adaptive management
Learn more about 4WARD's strategic climate adaptation & sustainability advisory services
About Your Speaker:
Jason Sandman is a climate solutions expert with deep experience spanning municipal government, federal grant review, and community-centered climate initiatives. As a former Project Manager and Community Initiatives Specialist with the Philadelphia Water Department, Jason led city-wide residential green stormwater programs, managed contractor relationships exceeding $100,000, and served as spokesperson for complex stakeholder engagement processes. His federal experience includes merit review of DOE grant applications for battery manufacturing, nonprofit energy improvements, and K-12 school facility upgrades, with specialized expertise in Justice40 implementation, community benefit plans, and DEIA frameworks. Jason brings a unique perspective to climate work, combining technical expertise with deep understanding of social systems, community engagement, and the intersection of climate action with social justice. He is committed to climate solutions that center community needs, cultural preservation, and long-term resilience on our finite planet.