How are cities preparing to combat climate change?

Heavier rains are driving historically high water levels and more frequent flooding in cities across the United States. Earlier this year, an overflowing Missouri River blocked off bridges and roads in Nebraska and Iowa, disrupting businesses and residents for several weeks.

This could be a new normal for the Midwest region, where cities must now prepare themselves for the economic and environmental impact of climate change.

MPR News’ Paul Huttner, filling in for host Kerri Miller, spoke with Forbes Tompkins, officer of flood-prepared communities at The Pew Charitable Trusts, and Mayor Errick Simmons of Greenville, Miss., about how cities across the country are bracing for more climate-driven flooding.

Later, as part of the Climate Reality Panel, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter joined Paul for a discussion on combating climate change in the Twin Cities.

To listen to the full conversation you can use the audio player above.

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