RISE Resilience Innovations

07/02/2026

Scientists and practitioners are pointing out an important problem: while coastal marsh models are technically advanced, they often don't provide the specific information communities actually need for on-the-ground decisions.

Scientists produce high-resolution models, but decision-makers need parcel-scale data for local planning. There's a "scale mismatch" between what models output and what practitioners need to restore marshes, plan for uncertainty, and protect critical habitat. Reach more: https://brnw.ch/21x3Pz7

This is exactly why RISE works with Solution Builders. We don't just fund innovations in isolation — we connect entrepreneurs directly with flood-prone communities to test solutions, get feedback, and refine what works in real conditions.

Scientists with NOAA’s National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) and partners have identified key opportunities for better translating coastal marsh model findings into actionable results for restoration and conservation decision-making. Coastal salt marshes provide critical ecosystem ser...

06/30/2026

The climate migration crisis: people are leaving flood-prone communities. New data shows flood-prone U.S. counties lost residents at nearly twice last year's rate in 2025. High-flood-risk areas posted a net outflow of 63,357 people, while low-flood-risk counties gained 69,857.

Why people are leaving:
💰 Rising insurance costs
🌊 Difficulty renewing flood coverage
🏠 Rising HOA fees in disaster-prone communities

As people leave, the remaining residents are sometimes those who can't afford to relocate. Private insurers are retreating, leaving state insurers overwhelmed. Read more: https://brnw.ch/21x3M8Y

Communities don't have to lose residents to flooding. With the right resilience tools, early warning systems, and adaptation strategies, communities can protect people and property.

The $1.58 trillion in uninsured flood losses since 2000 tells insurers exactly what happens when the people left behind can't afford to leave

06/27/2026

♻️ 100,000 tons of concrete from the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel expansion will get a second life beneath the Chesapeake Bay.

Instead of heading to landfills, dismantled materials from the project will be used to support Virginia’s artificial reef program. This will help create structure for marine life, strengthen habitats, and show how infrastructure projects can deliver environmental benefits beyond their original purpose.

Read the full article here:

Dismantled materials are loaded onto a barge and lowered onto the bay floor several miles offshore.

06/25/2026

🌀 Tropical Storm Arthur has dissipated, but its impacts are still a reminder of how quickly flood risk can escalate during hurricane season.

Across parts of the Gulf Coast and Southeast, heavy rainfall led to flooding, evacuations, and water rescues, underscoring the importance of preparation before severe weather strikes.

At RISE, we support innovators building tools that help communities better understand flood risk, strengthen emergency response, and prepare for the next storm — because resilience starts before the storm.

Read the full article here:

The remnants of Tropical Storm Arthur were battering parts of the southeastern U.S. with heavy rain, sparking flash flooding.

06/16/2026

AI is getting better at predicting storm surges 🌊 Researchers developed an AI model that predicts extreme storm surges with high accuracy and runs much faster than traditional methods. This allows planners to test hundreds of future scenarios and better assess coastal flood risk.

The impact: Communities can make smarter decisions about infrastructure, evacuation planning, and resilience.

When communities have access to fast, accurate prediction tools, they prepare better.

Extreme storm surges can be predicted much faster with high accuracy thanks to a new AI model that helps researchers and practitioners improve coastal flood risk assessment and adaptation planning.

06/12/2026

🌀 Hurricane Season has begun! For flood-prone communities, the next six months bring heightened risk. But preparation changes everything. Communities with early warning systems and preparedness plans respond faster and evacuate more safely.

At RISE, we help communities build resilience through innovative technologies, emergency response tools, and real-world solutions. Learn more about RISE challenges and how we support resilience innovation: https://brnw.ch/21x3jr8

06/10/2026

New research quantifies wetland conservation's real value for flood resilience:

🌊 Wetland loss since 1985 increased flood claims by $10.1 billion
🌊 Every hectare of upstream wetland lost increases flood claims by 0.01-0.03%
🌊 In 16% of U.S. subwatersheds, conservation benefits outweigh costs

Communities and policymakers now have the data to make smarter investments in wetland protection, proving nature-based solutions work. This is why RISE funds innovators building tools that help communities understand their flood risks and identify cost-effective solutions. When communities have the right data and technology, they can protect both people and natural systems.

Read the full article here:

Wetland conservation is an undervalued strategy for managing flood risk exacerbated by climate change. This study quantifies the impact of wetland loss on flood insurance claims across the USA, revealing a US$10.1 billion increase in claims since 1985. The analysis also highlights regions where cons...

06/03/2026

We don't just fund ideas, we connect innovators with communities facing real flooding challenges. Together, they test and refine solutions based on feedback, and scale what works. Since 2018, RISE has delivered measurable impact:

💰 $10M+ in funding for innovators
🚀 45+ pilot projects in real-world conditions
🌍 400+ submissions from 30 countries
💵 $50M+ in follow-on investment
👥 425+ trained in climate resiliency
💼 200+ jobs created or retained

Real-world challenges require real-life solutions. Learn more about our impact: https://brnw.ch/21x34vP

05/28/2026

When it comes to flooding, being prepared is key. Forecasters predict an 82% chance of a strong El Niño this year, which increases the likelihood of widespread flooding across the U.S. Read more: https://brnw.ch/21x2ULd

Be prepared for:
🌊 West Coast: Higher tides and stronger surf
🌊 Gulf & Southeast: Heavy rainfall from El Niño storms

NOAA warns: "Coastal communities face more frequent, deeper, and widespread high tide flooding." At RISE, we connect communities with innovators piloting climate resilience solutions that help strengthen preparedness and long-term resilience.

Forecasters are predicting an 82% chance El Niño will emerge between May and July.

05/22/2026

We are connection builders. We don't just fund ideas, we create pathways for real-world testing and community partnerships. When innovators work directly with affected communities, innovation meets impact. 🌊

Learn more about the progress RISE and FloodMapp are making together: https://brnw.ch/21x2KfO