Vermont's terrain and network of dirt roads makes it particularly vulnerable to flood damage. While Vermonters proved themselves strong after Irene, what happens when the floods keep coming? Some scientists call for flood-ravaged towns to be given "back to the river." How are these small democracies supposed to respond? 

This presentation considers the pluses and minuses of democratic deliberation in the face of natural disaster. Some may argue that we can't afford to use democratic processes to solve a problem of this magnitude; that we don't have the time to deliberate. Others may argue that we can't afford not to bring in all members of the community, even those who reject the notion of climate change. We'll consider the merits of both sides and then a possible third way. Could it be that these disruptive forces might actually strengthen our democracy?