Disasters

Communities face increased risks of natural disasters, humanitarian crises, and public health threats. It is critical to strengthen partnerships and bolster systems we rely on to increase our resilience for the day it is needed most.
Programs
Resources
Latest Content
This month marks National Preparedness Month, which reminds us all to prepare for disasters and emergencies of all kinds. It’s especially pertinent this year as we face uncharacteristic and unpredictable weather patterns, with impacts of wildfires, hurricane season, and severe storms impacting communities across the U.S. and the globe.
On August 8, 2023, a series of wildfires broke out in Hawaii. Affecting Maui and other island communities, the wind-driven fires have led to mass evacuations, widespread damage, and numerous lives lost.
On July 26-27, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation hosted the 12th Annual Building Resilience Conference. The conference brought together prominent business leaders, government officials, and industry experts to share knowledge and best practices through action-oriented panels, fireside chats, and keynote speeches.
Technology holds the key to building resilient societies as we witness the development of artificial intelligence (AI)-powered early warning systems and supply chain management. However, as we embrace these advancements, critical questions arise about the opportunities they present and the potential risks they entail.
As the world grows more intricate, communities and companies face many threats, hazards, and risks that demand careful consideration and cross-sector collaboration. During the U.S. Chamber Foundation's 12th Annual Building Resilience Conference, panelists explored the power of collaboration, embracing a unified vision, and pooling resources across sectors to navigate the complexities ahead.
In 2023 alone, the United States has already seen 12 separate billion-dollar weather and climate disasters. Disasters of all types, both novel and familiar, only continue to increase in frequency and intensity. Yet, many of the current systems in our communities are not equipped to handle these rising crises.