A new report being published by the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, co-authored by UMCES scientist Dr. Hali Kilbourne, considers what it might look like to create a Center for Paleoenvironmental Records of Extreme Events.
The report, titled “Functions and Criteria for a New Center for Paleoenvironmental Records of Extreme Events,” looks at the role of geoscience in helping people prepare for natural hazards such as floods, droughts, fire, or even earthquakes.
“Extreme events are by definition rare, often requiring long records available in geologic archives to adequately quantify risk. However, the road from relevant scientific discovery to the application of the science to mitigate risk to life and property is often a long one,” said Dr. Hali Kilbourne. “This report addresses the problem by recommending a synthesis center to bring stakeholders and scientists together to utilize paleoenvironmental records of extreme events to improve outcomes after extreme events.”
Extreme weather events are happening more frequently as the climate shifts, making the study of these extreme events increasingly important. For example, more accurate evaluations of risk and more preparedness could have improved outcomes for people in places like Asheville and Chimney Rock, NC during Hurricane Helene in 2024, many of whom never expected to be impacted by a hurricane so far from the coast.
Resilience in the face of such extreme events requires understanding and appropriately responding to risk. The report states that thorough study of paleoenvironmental extreme events will help society more adequately prepare for the future, and that a Center for Paleoenvironmental Records of Extreme Events would be a large part of those efforts.
The Committee on the Potential Functions and Criteria for a New Center for Paleoenvironmental Records of Extreme Events (CPREE) will host a webinar on April 29, 2026, from 1–2pm ET, to discuss this report, provide an overview of existing repositories and resources, and discuss criteria to be considered for establishing a CPREE. Committee members will highlight the report’s major conclusions and recommendations, followed by an opportunity for audience Q&A.
Key Takeaways:
- This report describes the role of paleoenvironmental data in understanding extreme events, provides an overview of existing repositories and resources, and discusses criteria to be considered for establishing a Center for Paleoenvironmental Records of Extreme Events.
- Extreme events (floods, droughts, hurricanes, earthquakes, tsunamis) severely impact people all over the world. A synthesis center focused on applying scientific information to improve extreme event resilience would benefit society.
