The Prout Research Institute (PRI) has begun a research project called Community-Driven Recovery and Transition (CDRT). Climate refugees in ever-greater numbers is a global problem. How can we organize large numbers of traumatized refugees to rebuild community in a resilient, ecological, and sustainable way that ensures a high quality of life for everyone?

CDRT is a strategic planning method with a simulation exercise. Our imagined scenario is that coastal flooding in Florida due to a super hurricane has suddenly brought 15,000 refugees to the Asheville, N.C.: 5,000 have made their own housing arrangements while 10,000 are in emergency shelters (fairgrounds, stadiums, gymnasiums, etc.). Their homes were destroyed so they can’t return for at least two years, if ever.

The teams are:

1. Food – Daniel Isner
2. Shelter – Karl Robins, Demeter Russafov
3. Water, Sanitation, Energy Infrastructure – Jacelyn Eckman
4. Wellbeing and Health – Roar Bjonnes
5. Livelihood – James Quilligan, Demeter Russafov, Matt Opennheim
6. Governance (self-help groups) – Demeter Russafov, Polina Rabinovich-Crotty
7. Communication and Coordination – Tom Paprocki
8. Education – Ruth Li, Niiti

We are now finalizing the research project and our pattern language. Each team will research and interview at least three specialists from relevant organizations. Our final, consolidated report for the public is due on February 29. If you would like to join this research, contact Dada Maheshvarananda at maheshvarananda@gmail.com.