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ខ្មែរ 
Digital Twins vs. Extreme Weather: Duke University Launches National Guide for ‘Smart’ Resilient Infrastructure
As North Carolina grapples with the aftermath of devastating storms like Hurricane Helene, state leaders and global tech giants are convening at Duke University to overhaul how cities handle natural disasters.
The event, titled “Twin Talks North Carolina,” marks the launch of a major statewide effort to integrate “smart” technology into municipal planning. The initiative aims to move beyond reactive repairs, focusing instead on predictive, resilient infrastructure that can withstand the increasing frequency of extreme weather and rapid urban growth.
A highlight of the gathering is the debut of Built to Endure: A Smart Guide for U.S. Cities to Build Resilient Infrastructure that Lasts. This national roadmap—developed through a powerhouse collaboration between Duke University, Microsoft, Bentley Systems, AECOM, and the ASCE—advocates for a “systems thinking” approach to urban planning.
The guide encourages cities to adopt digital twins—virtual replicas of physical infrastructure—to simulate flood scenarios and test stormwater solutions before a single brick is laid.
The event features a heavy-hitting lineup of policymakers and engineering experts, including:
U.S. Rep. Valerie Foushee and Chapel Hill Mayor Jess Anderson, delivering keynote remarks on the political urgency of climate adaptation.
Jerry Lynch, Dean of Duke’s Pratt School of Engineering, discusses the role of emerging tech in public safety.
Stuart Brown from the NC Department of Environmental Quality, providing insights into the state’s Flood Resiliency Blueprint.
While the discussion is academic in origin, the application is local. The “Twin Talks” initiative will immediately begin focusing on enhancing flood mitigation and stormwater planning specifically within the Durham-Chapel Hill corridor.
By leveraging real-time data and digital modeling, local officials hope to create a template for the rest of the state—and the country—on how to build cities that don’t just survive the next storm, but endure it.