Environment | Cooper Center

September 1, 2022

The RAFT as an approach for incorporating equity into coastal resilience planning and project implementation

Juita-Elena (Wie) Yusuf,

Tanya Denckla Cobb,

Elizabeth Andrews,

Sierra Gladfelter,

Gray Montrose

This paper provides an overview of the The Resilience Adaptation Feasibility Tool (RAFT) and how its approach incorporates equity in resilience planning and project implementation.

December 1, 2020

Strategies for Conserving the Green Infrastructure of Kilmarnock, Virginia

A review of a class project demonstrating environmental resilience work done in concert with the RAFT at the University of Virginia.

Solar-panels-at-Jouett-Elementary-School-in-Louisa-County-on-Saturday-April-20-2024.-Photo-by-Matt-Busse.jpg

April 28, 2025

Interest in Southwest Virginia grows among solar developers

Thirteen commercial solar developments have been approved in far Southwest Virginia since 2020, according to a state database.

Cardinal News

March 26, 2025

Shaping the Future of Solar

Delaney Clifford, UVA student

This report lays out observational case studies of notable examples of public engagement related to solar policy in Virginia.

May 26, 2020

UVa’s Cooper Center partners with state department to bolster solar adoption in localities

Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service has partnered with the state’s Department of Mines, Minerals, and Energy (DMME) to host an advisory program, SolSmart, aimed to help local governments implement and embrace solar energy.

Cville Tomorrow

December 3, 2024

Facilitating climate adaptation: The resilience adaptation feasibility tool (RAFT) framework

Bev Wilson,

Elizabeth Andrews,

Tanya Denckla Cobb,

Sierra Gladfelter

This paper documents the RAFT process, situates it within the context of climate adaptation planning research, and articulates its specific strengths as a flexible and portable model for engaging the public in preparing for climate change impacts.

November 22, 2024

UVA Environmental Institute and VASG Launch Website for Proactive Resilience Planning

The University of Virginia Environmental Institute and Virginia Sea Grant have partnered to create a new online adaptation planning guide to assist Virginia’s communities as they undertake resilience planning in anticipation of changing conditions in the Commonwealth’s communities.

November 12, 2024

New database reveals extent of solar push in Southside

The database, from the University of Virginia’s Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service, also shows a drop in local approvals of solar projects.

Cardinal News

October 14, 2024

Is Appalachia seeing an influx of climate refugees? Here's what the data shows.

Some have predicted that Appalachia could be a "climate haven" for those who want to escape hurricanes.

Cardinal News

September 25, 2024

Featured Speaking Engagements

Upcoming Speaking Engagements for Weldon Cooper Staff.