This session includes the Core Science Keynote for the Conference on Environment and Health and a panel discussion, both focused on health resilience in the face of natural disasters. The panel will provide perspectives on recent extreme heat waves that impacted the City of New Orleans and the process of refining near- and long-range adaptation strategies. Presenters will discuss topics such as the forthcoming Heat Adaptation Plan, innovative partnerships gathering local health data, and heat relief operations focused on protecting the most vulnerable.