In a recent internal memorandum obtained by Grist, it has been revealed that the Trump administration plans to dismantle the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program. This decision has sparked concern and outrage among environmentalists and disaster management experts alike.
The BRIC program, established by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in 2018, aims to provide funding and resources to communities to help them prepare for and mitigate the impacts of natural disasters. It focuses on promoting sustainable and resilient infrastructure, as well as investing in pre-disaster mitigation efforts.
The program has been widely praised for its proactive approach to disaster management, as it not only helps communities recover from disasters but also works towards preventing them in the first place. However, the Trump administration’s decision to dismantle the program has raised serious questions about the government’s commitment to addressing the growing threat of climate change.
The internal FEMA memorandum states that the BRIC program will be replaced by a new program called the Building Resilient Infrastructure for Communities (BRIC) program. While the name may sound similar, the new program will have a significantly reduced budget and will focus primarily on post-disaster recovery efforts rather than pre-disaster mitigation.
This move has been met with criticism from environmentalists and disaster management experts who argue that investing in pre-disaster mitigation is crucial in reducing the impact of natural disasters. By dismantling the BRIC program, the Trump administration is essentially turning a blind eye to the increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters, which are only expected to worsen with the effects of climate change.
Moreover, the decision to cut funding for the BRIC program comes at a time when the country is still reeling from the devastating effects of Hurricane Harvey, Irma, and Maria. These disasters have highlighted the urgent need for proactive measures to address the impacts of climate change and build more resilient communities.
The BRIC program has been successful in providing funding and resources to communities across the country, helping them to implement sustainable and resilient infrastructure projects. These projects not only protect communities from the impacts of natural disasters but also create jobs and boost the local economy.
The decision to dismantle the BRIC program is a step in the wrong direction and sends a message that the government is not taking the threat of climate change seriously. It also undermines the efforts of local communities who have been working tirelessly to build resilience and prepare for future disasters.
In the face of this alarming development, it is more important than ever for individuals, communities, and organizations to come together and demand action from the government. We cannot afford to ignore the growing threat of climate change and its impact on our communities.
It is time for the Trump administration to prioritize the safety and well-being of its citizens by investing in proactive measures to address the impacts of climate change. The BRIC program has proven to be an effective tool in building resilience and mitigating the effects of natural disasters, and it would be a grave mistake to dismantle it.
In conclusion, the decision to dismantle the BRIC program is a cause for concern and must be met with strong opposition. We must continue to advocate for proactive measures to address the impacts of climate change and build resilient communities. Let us not forget that our future and the future of our planet depend on it.
