Over the past 11 years Storm Surge has presented over 30 public programs related to climate change. This archive contains videos from many of the previous events.
2024 Events:
Fortifying Your Future: Understanding Flood Risks and Building Resilience
On October 17 we welcomed Shelly McComb and Bryan McCormack, Coastal Resilience and Processes Specialists from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Sea Grant Program. Bryan addressed how future climate changes, including sediment transport and coastal erosion, may impact properties. Bryan McCormack's slides.
Shelly covered practical steps, from strengthening physical structures to securing adequate flood insurance and creating emergency plans. She also covered the basics of FEMA and MEMA flood mitigation grants—who is eligible, how the programs work, and the types of projects they fund such as resilience initiatives, home elevation, and potential property buyouts. Shelly McComb's slides.
We’re All Plastic People Now
On September 24th, we co-sponsored a screening and post film discussion of the documentary “We’re All Plastic People Now” with our friends at the PEG Center and The Screening Room.
Taking a personal approach to an issue affecting us all, director Rory Fielding tests his own blood, along with four generations of his family, for chemicals derived from plastic. The results are alarming. Today, plastic not only surrounds is, it’s in us. It’s in the air. It’s in the water. It’s been found inside our colons, our brains, our hearts, in breast milk, and in developing embryos. The era of throw-away ease, it seems, has cost us our well-being. Featuring scientists and activists who are sounding the alarm about the issue, Fielding’s Emmy Award winning film explores how plastics enter the food web and advocates for public buy-in to affect change.
Why Community is Critical for Newburyport’s Climate Resilience
On September 5 we welcomed Daniel Aldrich an award-winning author and prominent voice in resilience and disaster recovery. Dr Aldrich is a professor at Northeastern University, where he received the 2024 Outstanding Teaching Award.
Dr Aldrich’s explored how Newburyport can enhance its resilience by leveraging social infrastructure. His research shows that while physical infrastructure like seawalls is important, social infrastructure—libraries, parks, and communal spaces—plays a crucial role in mitigating disaster impacts.
This talk is a valuable opportunity for anyone interested in climate action, disaster recovery, and community building. Aldrich's insights will inspire and equip attendees to foster resilience in their community. Given the specific risks Newburyport faces from climate change, this event is crucial for understanding how to build a more resilient future
2023 Events:
Deep Rising Documentary
On 12/7/2023 we hosted a community screening of the documentary Deep Rising at the Screening Room on State Street in Newburyport.
A sold out crowd enjoyed the free showing. We thank the Institution for Savings for sponsoring this documentary.
This eye-opening film takes you on a profound journey into the depths of the ocean, exploring its crucial role in our future and the challenges we face in preserving it.
"Deep Rising" is more than just a film; it's an adventure that spans from the mysterious deep sea to the forefront of clean energy innovation. With breathtaking oceanic scenes, it delves into the importance of our oceans for our survival and unveils the critical role of the International Seabed Authority. The documentary highlights the delicate balance between harnessing essential resources for green technologies and protecting the rich biodiversity of our ocean floors.
Directed by the award-winning filmmaker and investigative journalist Matthieu Rytz and narrated by Jason Momoa, "Deep Rising" is a call to action. It uncovers hidden debates and decisions about deep sea mining, emphasizing the ocean's pivotal role in climate regulation and its untapped potential for groundbreaking scientific discoveries.
The Tide is Rising and So Are We: Hope in the Face of the Changing Climate.
Speaker:
Julie Wormser, Resilient Mystic Collaborative
Panel:
John Macone, Merrimack River Watershed Council
Hanna Mogensen, Merrimack Valley Planning Commission
Erin Bonney Casey, Ipswich River Watershed Association.
The Resilient Mystic Collaborative promotes cooperation and commitment among 20 neighboring communities within Greater Boston's Mystic River Watershed. This innovative partnership is dedicated to safeguarding both its people and its cherished places from the intensifying impacts of climate change. Data driven, action oriented, optimistic and pragmatic, and mutually supportive, the Resilient Mystic Collaborative provides a model for addressing complex climate issues.
Recognizing the growing need for regional cooperation in securing grants and addressing common interests, municipalities are looking for ways to work together.
Following Julie’s talk our panel discussed regional collaborations on the North Shore.
Saving the Great Marsh
Speaker:
Russ Hopping, The Trustees of the Reservations
The Great Marsh stretches across 20,000 acres from New Hampshire to Gloucester. Its ecological functions are crucial, as it provides habitat for hundreds of fish, shellfish, birds, and mammals. Additionally, it serves as a natural barrier against sea level rise and storm surges, while absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and filtering pollutants from coastal waters.
However, the Great Marsh is under threat due to the increasing intensity of storms and rising sea levels caused by climate change. As a result, the marshes erode and critical habitat is lost, which leads to declines in native species and the rise of invasive animals and plants that threaten the ecosystem.
The Trustees of Reservations' Saving the Great Marsh Project is an ambitious project aiming to restore the health of depleted salt marsh and strengthen its ability to serve as a buffer against climate change. Unfortunately, historical agricultural practices dating back to the colonial era have compromised marsh health, leaving it vulnerable to flooding. Without intervention, sea level rise will eventually cause the loss of marshland and its conversion to open water, which will have severe local and regional impacts on biodiversity and climate resiliency.
Many thanks to NCM-Hub for the production of this video.
Mending Our Coasts and Communities: Marine Debris Removal in New England
Speaker:
Laura Ludwig, Center for Coastal Studies Provincetown.
Marine debris is a threat to the health of the ocean and the earth, and is an issue of local as well as national and international concern. Huge amounts of lost or discarded items are found in the ocean, making marine debris one of the most widespread pollution problems we face.
The theme of Laura Ludwig’s presentation is the environmental and human impacts of marine debris found on shorelines of Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire, and under water in the Gulf of Maine. Laura addressed the impact that marine debris has on wildlife, the role of plastics in climate change, and what we as individuals can do to help resolve this environmental issue.
Many thanks to NCM-Hub for the production of this video.
The Story of Plastic Documentary
In April we held a sold-out community screening of the Story of Plastics.
2022 Events:
Ocean Based Carbon Dioxide Removal Approaches
Speaker:
Katie Lebling, Climate Program Associate at the World Resources Institute
Katie provided provide an introduction to ocean-based carbon dioxide removal approaches – ranging from coastal ecosystem restoration, to proposed, but less well understood approaches, like adding alkaline materials to the ocean to react with and store carbon dioxide – including what they are, how they work, risks, potential benefits, and current status.
Many thanks to NCM-Hub for the production of this video.
2040 Documentary
On September 28, Storm Surge held a community viewing of the documentary 2040 at the Firehouse Center for the Arts.
The Newburyport Path to Net-Zero by 2050
Speakers:
Molly Ettenborough
Newburyport Recycling and Energy ManagerMike Strauss
Chair of the Newburyport Energy Advisory Committee (EAC)
On Earth Day 4/22/2022 the Commonwealth of Massachusetts committed to revised greenhouse gas emission targets. By 2050 Massachusetts must meet net-zero emissions and a level of emissions that is no more than 85% of the 1990 emissions.
Molly and Mike spoke on green-house gas emissions in Newburyport, residential electric supply aggregation, city ordinances enacted last year and future changes.
Towards a Resilient Water Supply
Speakers:
Thomas Cusick Jr, Newburyport Water Treatment Superintendent
Don Kretchmer D&K Consulting
Julie Spurr Knight, Newburyport DPS Business Manager
Tom Cusick and Don Kretchmer present an update on the vulnerabilities to our water supply including source water/watershed protection and the short and long-term solutions to making our water supply more resilient to climate change impacts.
Julia Spurr Knight presents an overview of the conservation aspects of the watersmart tool available to residents.
Global Climate Change:How it is playing out in New England and Newburyport
Dr Stephen Young
Professor at Salem State University Geography and Sustainability Department
Dr Young spoke at the April 13, 2022 Members’ meeting.
You can also read his recent publications
https://www.mdpi.com/journal/climate
Overall Warming with Reduced Seasonality: Temperature Change in New England, USA https://www.mdpi.com/2225-1154/9/12/176
2021 Events: Speaker Series: Towards a Resilient Newburyport and presentations to members meetings.
Funding and Financing Climate Resilient Communities
Joanne Throwe and Dan Nees
Joanne and Dan’s presentation starts to address the question of how to move towards implementation of the necessary projects outlined in the City’s 2020 Climate Resiliency Plan. They share information on tools and processes that can identify criteria for funding, and potential financing options. They also reference examples on how other cities on the east coast have approached the challenge of moving from a resiliency plan to funded projects.
What individuals can do..
Robert Young, PhD Geologic Oceanography
What can we as individuals do to mitigate/adapt to climate change?
September 14,2021
Monthly members meeting
Zoning and Resilience
Rick Taintor, AICP
Community planner and Newburyport resident Rick Taintor discusses how local municipal zoning regulations and site development standards will be important tools for our communities as we address the climate crisis.
Clean Water at Risk, Let’s Save It!
Jon-Eric White, PE
Newburyport City Engineer
This program looked specifically at Newburyport. White discussed why our water supply is vulnerable, potential short-term and long-term solutions for protecting our reservoirs and watershed, and how we can protect our water supply through potential ordinances. Residents learned how individual efforts can contribute to the resiliency of our local resources.
Our Weather Extremes: Flooding and Drought
Dr Stephen Young
Professor in the Geography and Sustainability Department at Salem State University
Wayne Castonguay
Executive Director Ipswich River Watershed Association
This presentation focuses on how shifting weather patterns, heavy rains and frequent drought, will create challenges for local infrastructures and draw on our communities’ resources.
Our Reservoir at Risk: The Merrimack and the Artichoke - May 25, 2021
John Macone
Policy & Education Specialist
Merrimack River Watershed Council
John Macone is the Policy and Education Specialist at the Merrimack River Watershed Council. He discussed how river flooding and drought will impact the water quality in the river and how pollution patterns will be affected by climate change.
Retreat Plan for North Topsail Island
March 3, 2021 (member’s meeting)
Rob Young, PhD
Program for the Study of Developed Shorelines, Western Carolina University
Dr. Rob Young of Western Carolina University presents the Retreat Plan for North Topsail Island, a barrier island near Wilmington, NC. Dr. Young explains how analysis of critical scientific and economic data can be used to plan for climate change on a coastal community similar to Plum Island.
2020 Events
Five events were presented as part of the Speaker Series in 2020. Four of these were held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.
Planning for Resilience: People, Place and Planet, December 17, 2020
Steven Whitman, EdD, AICP
Resilience Planning & Design
Elizabeth Kelly
Resilience Planning & Design
Permaculture Association of the Northeast
Steve Whitman and Liz Kelly of Resilience Planning & Design explore what resilience means and how it can be applied to our community supporting goals like food security, natural resource protection, and equity. Steve and Liz share this information visually with examples at the site, municipal, and regional scales.
Climate Change and the Benefits of Green Infrastructure, November 19, 2020
Bob Uhlig, FASLA, LEED AP BD+C
Halvorson | Tighe and Bond Studio
Incorporating green infrastructure strategies into our streets and parking facilities can provide multiple community benefits. Newburyport resident Bob Uhlig, a professional landscape architect and urban designer, introduces the concept of green infrastructure and how we can use proven strategies to make our community more resilient.
References: - https://mysticriver.org/ - https://www.barrfoundation.org/ - https://www.greenribboncommission.org/
The Heat is On: Climate Change and Your Health
October 15, 2020
Ahmer Ibrahim, M.D.
Pentucket Medical Associates
Dr. Ahmer Ibrahim of Newburyport discusses how climate change globally can affect our health locally and strain infrastructures ill-prepared to respond. Extreme changes in climate can impact an individual’s health, from increased cases of asthma, to malnutrition and heat stress. Climate change can affect air quality and pollution, food production, the availability of clean water, and the aberrant growth or spread of toxic micro-organisms in our environment.
Winds of Change - offshore, June 25, 2020
Amber Hewett
National Wildlife Federation
National Wildlife Federation’s Amber Hewett details the status of offshore wind policy and development and answers the complex questions that come with this potentially transformative endeavor. New England needs the huge, untapped resource of electricity generated by wind turbines far offshore. but we also need to maintain a viable fishing industry in the process. Ms. Hewett presents a big picture understanding of what needs to happen to bring the benefits of offshore wind power to the United States.
Blue Carbon: Lungs of the Sea
Feb 11, 2020
Phil Colarusso, Ph.D.
EPA diver
Dr. Phillip Colarusso, a marine biologist and diver for the Environmental Protection Agency for over 30 years, speaks on “blue carbon,” the group of habitats which include seagrasses, salt marshes, and mangroves. Our community is surrounded by a coastal ecosystem that includes salt marsh and seagrass. Dr. Colarusso shares the results of studies that he and his team conducted on the sea meadow grasses along the New England coastline.
Plum Island Erosion.. is it the jetty?
Dec. 27, 2019
Christopher Hein, Ph.D.
Virginia Institute of Marine Science
2019 Events
2019 programs included the Speaker Series, panel discussions, film screenings and participation in the Green Expo.
The R word (Retreat). When is it time to leave?
Nov. 6, 2019
A.R. Siders, Ph.D, J.D.
University of Delaware
A.R. Siders discusses the "R" word: Retreat. When, if ever, is it time for individuals and communities to leave vulnerable coastal properties due to more frequent and stronger storms on rising sea levels? Watch this video conference recording of a discussion between Professor Siders in Delaware and the Storm Surge audience in Newburyport, MA.
Nature in Flux: Managing Change at Parker River NWR
October 16, 2019
Nancy Pau
PRNWR Wildlife Biologist
No Water, No Sewer, No Electricity . . .
What Do You Do?
September 17, 2019
Kristin Kelleher
Programs Director, CABA (Climate Action Business Association)
Christopher LeClaire
Newburyport Fire Chief, Emergency Management Director
(No video available)
Climate Change & Wind Power on the North Shore and Beyond
May 29, 2019
Panel discussion with:
Bruce Egan, Meteorologist
Mike Morris, Storm Surge
Amber Hewett, National Wildlife Federation
Lobster Wars
May 26, 2019
Film screening followed by panel discussion with:
David Abel, Filmmaker
Mike Morris, Storm Surge
Storm Surge Wave Tank
April 11, 2019
The greater Newburyport Green Expo was held in April 2019. The objective of the program was to bring people together to discuss climate change issues and individual actions to reduce environmental impact.
Storm Surge exhibited a wave tank.
Climate Change and Resilience
April 2, 2019
Eric Roberts, Nature Conservancy
Mike Morris, Storm Surge Sponsored by the Newburyport Public Library
(no video available)
Decoding the Weather Machine, Part 2: Climate Change Solutions
March 11, 2019
NOVA film followed by discussion
Decoding the Weather Machine, Part 1: The Case for Climate Change and its Effects
February 25, 2019
NOVA film followed by discussion
2018 Events
Fighting Back: Defending Science in a Time of Denial
Dec. 10, 2018
Andrew Rosenberg, Ph.D.
Union of Concerned Scientists Director of the Center for Science and Democracy
"Fighting Back: Standing up for Science in a Time of Denial" by the Union of Concerned Scientists brought to you by PortMedia
Climate Change —The Innovation Opportunity of the 21st Century
Nov. 13, 2018
Cameron Wake, Ph.D.
Research Professor at the Institute for the Study of Earth, Oceans and Space, and the Dept. of Earth Sciences UNH
Josephine A. Lamprey
Professor in Climate and Sustainability, UNH Sustainability Institute, Program Chair, Sustainability Dual Major
(click link above to see on SCTV archive)
Rise of the Superstorms
Oct. 15, 2018
NOVA film followed by discussion
Climate Reality: Real Facts& What You Can Do About It.
Jan. 18, 2018
Robert Bonney
Citizens’ Climate Lobby’s (CCL), North Shore Chapter
2017 Events
2017 Programs included speakers, panel discussion and a climate café.
The Next Big Storm: Preparing Newburyport for Extreme Weather
Dec. 7, 2017
Panel of Newburyport City Officials
After the Storm: One Community’s Encounter with Hurricane Sandy
Nov. 9, 2017
Chris Raia
Toms River Police Department Officer, Retired
Five years ago, Hurricane Sandy was one of the deadliest and most destructive tropical storms in U.S. history. Developing in late October 2012, the storm strengthened as it moved northward across the Caribbean, hitting Jamaica, Cuba and the Bahamas as a Category 2/3 hurricane. Continuing north along the U.S. coast as a Category 1 hurricane, Sandy ultimately curved west-northwest and landed in New Jersey and New York on October 29 as a post-tropical cyclone with hurricane force winds. Preparations had begun in New Jersey on October 26 with a voluntary evacuation, but two days later it was mandatory. Toms River Patrolman Chris Raia (now retired) was assigned to the barrier island on Monday, October 29 and could not leave for 24 hours. Chris shares his first-hand account of weathering Sandy, and what was left in its aftermath. Certainly, New Jersey's experience with Sandy has implications for us if a similar event were to hit Newburyport and the Merrimack Valley.
Coastal Processes Along Plum Island
May 24 2017
Matthew Shultz,
PE Senior Coastal Engineer, Woods Hole Group, Inc.
(No video available)
Climate Café
13 May 2017
Climate Café is a community conversation about local climate issues, facilitated by our future leaders – students from our area high schools.
Ocean Acidification
Apr. 26, 2017
Professor George Buckley
Assistant Director of Sustainability Programs, Harvard University Extension School
Since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution society has burned fossil fuels for energy. The oceans have quietly been absorbing about one quarter of the CO2 emissions we release into the atmosphere every year since then. This has tempered the warming of the world, but at a great cost. The CO2 absorbed by the ocean has changed the chemistry of the seawater, making it acidic. To date it has been largely unnoticed as the effects are underwater and gradual in nature. However scientists have documented that this change in acidity is affecting life in the ocean, from larval forms of sea life to any creature that has a calcium-based shell. It is compromising coral reefs, ocean ecosystems and entire food chains. When coral reefs and shellfish die, for example, ecosystems and fisheries will be impacted, as will the world’s food supply. Locally, native clams, mussels, shrimp and lobsters are a few of the more recognizable creatures and fisheries that will be affected. Professor George Buckley, Assistant Director of Sustainability Programs at the Harvard University Extension School, discusses this environmental issue and looks at mollusks as well as healthy coral reefs and some very important micro forms of marine life known as Coccolithophores.
Coastal Adaptation: We Have No Plan
March 29, 2017
Rob Young
PhD, Program for the Study of Developed Shorelines, Western Carolina University
World-renowned Coastal Geologist Dr. Robert Young discusses our national policy regarding coastal hazards and sea level rise and the costs and consequences of holding our shorelines in place by engineering our beaches in the face of climate change. There are often narrow windows of opportunity to effect political and social change after notable events. Following Hurricane Sandy, the United States missed one such opportunity. Instead of stepping back and considering formulating a national plan for coastal management, adaptation, and storm recovery, The United States chose to ignore climate change and future vulnerability and hold the U.S. shoreline in place. Dr. Young comments, “We have no national plan or national vision for how we should be responding to storms, how we should be rebuilding after storms in a sensible way, how we should be spending federal dollars to provide coastal protection through beach nourishment and dune building projects.” This effort has come at great expense to the federal taxpayer, the environment, and the federally subsidized flood insurance program. Dr. Young raises the question: “Can we afford to continue doing this, and what will it take to change our behavior?” Dr. Young is the Director of the Program for the Study of Developed Shorelines (PSDS), a joint Duke University/Western Carolina University venture. He is also a Professor of Geosciences at Western Carolina University and a licensed professional geologist in three states (FL, NC, SC).
2016 Programs
Coastal Ecosystems: Our Best Shoreline Protection
Dec. 7, 2016
Michael R. Johnson
U.S. Department of Commerce NOAA Fisheries Habitat Conservation Division, Gloucester, MA
Michael Johnson, a marine biologist with NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service in Gloucester and a resident of Ipswich, explains why protecting coastal ecosystems from non-climate impacts can increase the resiliency of these systems to existing and projected climate change impacts. The effects of climate change on human infrastructure are being experienced in communities around the world today by the carbon dioxide emissions already released into the atmosphere. As emissions grow, these impacts are expected to become more frequent and intense. While climate mitigation (reduction in emissions) is a critical component in our climate strategy, adaptation to climate change will become increasingly vital to both human and natural ecosystem survival. Fortunately, there are co-benefits to protecting and restoring coastal ecosystems and protecting human coastal infrastructure. Maintaining and restoring healthy and resilient coastal ecosystems not only provides valuable services in the form of healthy seafood, tourism, and recreation, but also can increase protection from rising sea levels, coastal storms, and other impacts from climate change.
Fun Science: Drones & Robotic Boats to Study Coastlines
Nov.2, 2016
Peter A. Traykovski
Associate Scientist, Applied Ocean Physics & Engineering, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Peter Traykovski from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution is a pioneer in using drones for mapping and data collection in order to increase our understanding of how coastal processes work. He shares how hobby grade robotics has the potential to revolutionize how we study and monitor coastal processes with examples and pictures from aerial imaging drones and robotic boats. Dr. Traykovski has used off the shelf drones and software to produce 3-D profiles of eroding beaches on Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard. He also demonstrates the use of a remote controlled kayak of his own design to map the entrance to river mouths and harbors. Public officials, interested in how the Merrimack River Entrance affects its adjacent barrier beaches, could benefit from these technologies currently being used along the Cape and Islands. Students with an interest in science and technology who enjoy piloting remote control boats, aircraft, and vehicles might envision other areas of study that could employ these remote control robotic devices.
How the 1800s Jetties Affected the Merrimack River Inlet
June 8, 2016
Irene Watts
Coastal Engineer and Oceanographer, Florida Institute of Technology
Where rivers meet the sea, the inlets like to naturally snake and wander like an unattended garden hose. Historically this has also been the case with the Merrimack where it empties into Ipswich Bay between Plum Island and Salisbury — until we constructed the river jetties. Irene Watts, Coastal Engineer and Oceanographer, Florida Institute of Technology, describes the evolution of the inlet through time, before and after jetty construction.
Water on the Waterfront: How Portsmouth and Gloucester Face the Future
Apr. 26, 2016
Rick Taintor
Planning Director, Portsmouth, NH
Rick Cademartori
Planning Director, Gloucester, MA
Plum Island Point Erosion Explained
Feb. 2, 2016
Mike Morris
Chairman, Storm Surge
Storm Surge Chair Mike Morris was invited to give a talk on Plum Island Point erosion to the Newburyport Conservation Commission during its meeting on February 2, 2016.
2015 Programs
Plum Island: A Night at the Movies
Dec. 2, 2015
Viewing of 2 films: “Man and Nature” by Casey Atkins and “Plum Island, A Barrier Beach Under Stress” by Bill Sargent (link to 2nd film only)
Massachusetts Hurricane Risk in a Changing Climate
Nov. 4, 2015
Kerry A. Emanuel, PhD, Professor of Atmospheric Science, MIT
Plum Island: Lessons from Nature
Oct. 21, 2015
Dennis Hubbard
PhD, Professor of Geology, Geology Department Chair, Oberlin College
Dr. Dennis Hubbard, Professor of Geology at Oberlin College, has studied the movement of sediment through the inlet and along northern Plum Island. Part of his study dealt with changes in natural sediment transport as a result of engineering structures, including the 1970 repairs to the southern jetty. Dr. Hubbard's talk reviewed the natural processes of coastal sediment transport and how nature moves sand across tidal inlets. It then shifted to the issue of coastal engineering structures in general and the possible impacts of those on and near Plum Island specifically. Dr. Hubbard's talk has obvious implications for any engineering change, including pumping sand onto the beach without addressing the obstacles that are altering its natural flow. An understanding of his research can help decision-makers avoid costly mistakes. A discussion after the formal presentation will help apply these general principles to specific issues on the island beaches today.
Coastal Resilience of the North Shore
Apr. 29, 2015
2015 Environmental Science Class, Essex Technical High School
Poetry of New England Weather Data with Sculpture & Music
Mar. 4, 2015
Storm Surge Art Exhibition
Mar. 6-28, 2015
Various Artists
2014 Programs
Encroaching Tides: How Sea Level Rise & Flooding Threaten East Coast Communities Over the Next 30 Years
Nov. 19, 2014
Erika Spanger-Siegfried
Senior Analyst Climate and Energy, Union of Concerned Scientists
(no video available)
The Next Storm: Understand the Risks and Be Prepared
Oct. 29, 2014
Mike Morris
Chairman, Storm Surge
(No video available)
Reducing Risk through Enhancing Great Marsh Resiliency
Oct. 1, 2014
Peter Phippen
Coastal Resources Coordinator, Merrimack Valley Planning Commission & MassBays Estuary Program
(No video available)
The Pros & Cons of Coastal Erosion Control
June 18, 2014
Jim O’Connell
Coastal Geologist / Coastal Processes Specialist / Certified Floodplain Manager
Jim O'Connell, a coastal geologist & coastal land-use specialist for close to 30 years, describes the beneficial functions of coastal landforms and the coastal processes that drive shoreline and coastal landform changes, along with documented shoreline change rates over the past 100 or so years along the Massachusetts shore. His presentation includes Massachusetts’ regulatory constraints for altering coastal landforms and interfering with coastal processes, with actual site examples of a wide variety of structural and non-structural coastal erosion control alternatives in various coastal environments around Massachusetts.
Using Oysters to Protect Towns and Cities From Sea Level Rise
June 4, 2014
Anamarija Frankić
PhD, University of Massachusetts, Boston
(No video available)
Preparing for Sea Level Rise
May 21, 2014
Kirk Bosma
Coastal Engineer, Woods Hole Group
Kirk F. Bosma, PE, is a Senior Coastal Engineer and Team Leader of the Coastal Sciences, Engineering & Planning team at Woods Hole Group. Numerous coastal communities have developed, or started to develop, Coastal Climate Adaptation Plans that integrate projected sea-level rise influences into their planning process. In many coastal areas, the adverse impacts of climate change and sea-level rise may be reduced by a careful response to the increased threat of storm induced flood damage. The identification of appropriate adaptive actions (e.g. abandonment, retreat, elevation, protection, and engineering approaches) depends largely on an understanding of the present and future surge-induced flood risk.
Shored Up: When Human Nature and the Force of Nature Collide (trailer)
May 14, 2014
Documentary film by Ben Kalina
Investing Now to Prepare for Climate Impacts
April 16, 2014
Wendi Goldsmith
Bioengineering Group, Salem, MA
Wendi Goldsmith, CEO, Bioengineering Group, Salem MA, speaks about Anticipating the Future: Investing Now to Prepare for Climate Impacts.
Rolling the Dice With Big Storms
Feb. 3, 2014
Mike Morris
Chairman, Storm Surge
Bob Thompson
Meteorologist in Charge, National Weather Service, Taunton, MA
The Emergency Management Contacts in four neighboring communities talked about how each of their communities is prepared for a serious weather event, and provided tips for how all of us can be better prepared. Storm Preparedness Panel: - Fire Chief Jonathan Brickett, Amesbury Newburyport Emergency Management - Retired Fire Chief Robert Cook, Salisbury Emergency Management - Police Marshal Thomas Howard, Newburyport Emergency Management - Police Chief Michael Reilly, Newbury Emergency Management
2013 Events
How Do We Assess Coastal Vulnerability & Plan to Adapt?
December 16, 2013
Paul Kirshen
PhD, University of New Hampshire
Dr. Paul Kirshen is Research Professor, Civil & Environmental Engineering at the University of New Hampshire. For thirty years Dr. Kirshen has served as Principal Investigator of complex, interdisciplinary, participatory research related to water resources and coastal zone management and climate variability and change. Recent and ongoing relevant research includes developing adaptation strategies for urban infrastructure in several New England cities, investigating the impacts of increased coastal flooding on particularly vulnerable populations and adaptation strategies, and adaptation planning for multi-purpose, multi-objective river basin systems. Since 2010, he has been a Lead Author for the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (co-recipient of the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize with Al Gore) and the US National Climate Assessment. He also serves on several state committees and commissions on climate change adaptation.
Ocean Frontiers II: A New England Story for Sustaining the Sea
December 2, 2013
Film and Discussion
Catherine Bowes
Program Manager, NE Offshore Wind Program, NWF
Chris Boelke
Field Office Supervisor, NOAA Fisheries Gloucester
Mike Morris
Chairman, Storm Surge
The recently released film Ocean Frontiers II describes how people representing many varied interests have come together to work on the nation's first multi-state ocean management plan. The coastal waters of New England have long been an important resource for recreation, commercial fishing and shipping. Today, climate change is affecting these traditional uses, and proposals for off-shore energy raise new challenges. For example, if not planned carefully, wind energy development could harm productive fisheries, conflict with shipping routes and even impact submerged Native American sites. The state of Rhode Island invited a range of stakeholders to address their overlapping and often competing interests by looking at the coastal waters as a system. This management plan is now the model for a regional approach in New England and other U.S. coastal areas. Ocean Frontiers II is an inspiring story of citizens working together for healthier economies and healthier seas.
Changing Our Conversations about Our Changing World
November 18, 2013
John Anderson
Director of Education at New England Aquarium
As part of the Storm Surge speaker series, John Anderson will talk about communications and the role of public engagement. How can citizen groups and public institutions help shift our conversations to be more productive? Mr. Anderson is the Director of Education at New England Aquarium. He has collaborated on several education projects about climate change since 2000. He is currently directing the National Network for Ocean and Climate Change Interpretation which aims to build interdisciplinary learning groups that include ocean and climate scientists, social and cognitive scientists and educators from aquariums, zoos and museums across the country. Mr. Anderson earned an MA in biology from Boston University
Changing Climate, Changing Coasts
Nov. 4, 2013
Rob Thieler
PhD, Director – U.S. Geological Survey’s Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center
Dr. Rob Thieler is a coastal geologist and a nationally recognized expert on sea level rise at the US Geological Survey in Woods Hole. His research includes comparing vulnerabilities of all the different areas of the East and Gulf Coasts. He will explain why Plum Island is more like the Outer Banks of the Carolinas than the rest of the New England coast in terms of coastal vulnerability. He will discuss making decisions about coastal issues in an uncertain future. Presented at the Parker River Wildlife Refuge at 7 pm on Monday 4 November.
Climate Change in New England: Past, Present and Future
October 21, 2013
Cameron Wake
PhD, Research Professor Climatology and Glaciology, University of New Hampshire
Climate Changes. It always has and always will. What is unique today is that human activities are the primary driver of our changing climate. In fact, the decisions we make over the next decade regarding how we produce and use energy will determine the future climate our grandchildren inherit. A wide variety of climate indicators show that the northeast United States has been warming over the past four-to-five decades and that this warming has already begun to impact a variety of ecosystems and economic sectors. Model simulations show that New England will continue to get warmer and wetter, both extreme precipitation events and summertime drought will become more frequent, and snow will turn to rain. In addition, sea levels will continue to rise. These changes will continue to impact many sectors across the region, including marine resources, coastal infrastructure, agriculture, forestry, and winter recreation. Dr. Cameron Wake is a research associate professor in climatology at the Institute for the Study of Earth, Oceans and Space at the University of New Hampshire. He also has a joint appointment in the UNH Department of Earth Sciences and is the Josephine A. Lamprey Fellow in Climate and Sustainability at the UNH Sustainability Institute. Dr. Wake leads a research program investigating regional climate and environmental change through the analysis of ice cores, instrumental data, and phenological records, with a focus on the northeast United States, the Arctic, and central Asia. His collaborative research on several regional climate assessments in the northeast United States has been shared with state and federal agencies and representatives, has been covered widely in the media, and has been cited by several as motivation for policy action. Dr. Wake also directs Climate Solutions New England, a regional network promoting energy self-reliance and weather resilient communities so that secure renewable energy is the common condition and vulnerability to our changing climate reduced.
Sea Level Rise: The Plum Island Story
October 9, 2013
William Sargent
Author, Storm Surge Committee Member, Coastlines Project Director
Presented by The Newburyport Forum William Sargent: NOVA science series consultant, science and environmental author Wednesday, October 9th at 7 PM, Newburyport Public Library Program Room