Risk and Resilience in the Pacific Northwest

A research project and a dream:

The Arctic is warming more rapidly than the rest of the world and glaciers are melting. A Cascadia earthquake and volcanic eruptions will happen, but we don’t know when. Weather has become less predictable and more extreme: hurricanes, droughts, floods . . . We don’t understand these powerful and costly extreme events and their impacts in our most populated regions. How do we prepare? It’s easy to feel powerless to make meaningful changes.

Cascadia Paleo is developing a non-profit organization to connect others interested in working together toward our common goal to understand and prepare for extreme events. Cascadia Paleo is developing a research project that allows a wide range of opportunities for other organizations.

We are stronger together!

“I want the work I do to provide opportunities for others and empower local people and communities by flipping the system on its head. What if those of us who are most likely to be impacted by a Cascadia earthquake, tsunami, volcanic eruption, extreme weather events, or sea level rise, are given the opportunity to learn about and prepare for these extreme (and costly) events? My hope is that this could foster a sense of importance and value in our youth, returning military veterans, native people and anyone else with the desire to become involved in solving the problems that impact them and their neighbors. There is so much to do to prepare . . . rural communities in particular depend upon infrastructure and travel to meet their needs. What happens if there is a health emergency or a lack of vaccines after a Cascadia earthquake causes landslides that block roads? What about those who are homeless? These people will suffer greatly without roads, access to gasoline, clean water, health care and food.

I am deeply concerned by what is happening in our country, especially rural communities: drug addiction, spikes in suicides by returning military veterans, hate crimes, gun violence, the lack of affordable health care, lack of trust in science, a feeling of hopelessness and anger in our youth, and limited opportunities for upward mobility. We distrust people from other cultures and religions. The rich and famous buy opportunities for their children at top Universities. College athletes lose support and are forced to leave because they are injured? Professors continue to be supported even after being found guilty of sexual harassment? This does not reflect my country! I think it’s time that we rise up and take a stand.

Can we come together to learn about and prepare for the risks we face in the Pacific Northwest? By doing so, I think it may empower us as individuals and revitalize struggling communities.”

Ann Morey Ross, Cascadia Paleo