TownGreen hosted the final webinar in the Good Harbor Beach Ecosystem series on Wednesday, May 24th 6:30-8:30pm. The program discussed and prioritized adaptation options for possible implementation at the iconic beach. Professor Charles Waldheim and Kira Clingen from Harvard University's Graduate School of Design outlined possible adaptation actions, offering specific details about how adaptation might work for the Good Harbor Ecosystem. Special guest presentation from Chris Leahy, retired professional conservationist with the Massachusetts Audubon Society, highlighted the bird species that frequent and rely on the Good Harbor Beach ecosystem. A video address with slides from Rory McCarthy from the local grassroots group Clean the Creek ran through the pollution issues that face the Good Harbor Beach creek. Jayne Knott, President of HydroPredictions, rounded out the program by presenting specific actions that could be implemented in the short-term.
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Welcome to Gloninger's talk, "A Warming World - Climate Change Impacts on New England Winters," which promises to shed light on the pressing issue of warming winters and its implications for New Englanders. Join us as we delve into the climate science behind warmer winter temperatures, stronger storms, and increased moisture, and uncover what these changes mean for industries like snow sports, fishing, and coastal communities. Don't miss out on this insightful exploration of the challenges and opportunities presented by climate change in the New England region. About Chris: Chris Gloninger currently serves as a Senior Scientist in Climate and Risk Communication at Woods Hole Group in Bourne, MA where he contributes his expertise to the field of meteorology and climate science. Chris began consulting on climate mitigation and resilience at Arcadis, a consulting firm that offers sustainable design, engineering, and consultancy services for natural and built assets. He spent 18 years as a broadcast meteorologist working at media stations in Boston, Massachusetts, New York, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Iowa. He initiated the country's first weekly broadcast series on climate change that explained the science of climate mitigation and adaptation, provided examples of how climate change is affecting people at the local level, and showcased some of the advancements being made in clean and renewable energy. Chris earned a BS in Meteorology & Atmospheric Science from Plymouth State University in New Hampshire and received his Certified Broadcast Meteorologist (CBM) accreditation from the American Meteorological Society. He has a MS in Emergency Management from Millersville University in Pennsylvania. Chris most recently earned his Certified Consulting Meteorologist (CCM) accreditation from the American Meteorological Society. Gloninger has three EMMYs, two NBC Gem awards, and two Wisconsin Broadcasters Association awards in recognition of his various news coverage throughout his career. To learn more about Chris Gloninger and his work: Weathering Climate, LLC: www.weatheringclimate.com Woods Hole Group: www.woodsholegroup.com Don't miss out on this captivating exploration of Chris Gloninger's journey from the broadcast booth to the forefront of climate science and communication. Subscribe now for more insightful content on climate resilience! About TownGreen: TownGreen’s mission is to act as a catalyst in assisting the greater Cape Ann region in becoming a vibrant and inclusive model of sustainability that is fossil fuel free and prepared for the impacts of climate change. TownGreen, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that has been promoting climate mitigation and adaptation strategies, including clean energy, since 2015. https://towngreen2025.org/ #ClimateScience #Meteorology #ClimateCommunication #WoodsHoleGroup #WeatheringClimate #ClimateResilience #CleanEnergy #RenewableEnergy #ClimateChangeAwareness #climateresponsibility
View at YoutubeEcological Restoration and Significant SLR Impacts on Essex Marshes, plus sediment, erosion, and offshore issues, Webinar #2 Wednesday, October 24th 6:15-8:30PM A panel including Prof. Charles Waldheim (Harvard GSD) and Dr. David Burdick (UNH) will look at the major issues facing the ecological restoration of the Essex marshes and climate change impacts. Special attention will be given to likely scenarios of what could happen if the high marsh is degraded, the cultural significance of the marsh, as well as equally compelling issues, such as sediment issues, beach erosion, and impacts to Essex Bay. Panel guests present slides and visuals/maps; Q&A.
View at YoutubeJesse Keenan, Tulane University Associate Professor of Sustainable Real Estate, delivered a virtual lecture on the economic and financial implications of adaptation to climate change on May 10, 2023. Keenan describes the increasing economic vulnerabilities to both household wealth and municipal budgets, as sea levels rise and the intensity of storms increases along the coast of Massachusetts in the coming years. As a globally recognized thought leader, Keenan’s research focuses on the intersection of climate adaptation and the built environment, including aspects of design, engineering, regulation, planning and financing. He has previously advised on matters concerning the built environment for agencies of the U.S. government, governors, mayors, Fortune 500 companies, technology ventures, community enterprises, and international NGOs. Cape Ann Conversations: Changing Coastal Communities is hosted by Harvard University Graduate School of Design’s Office for Urbanization. These convenings form a portion of the ongoing multi-year climate adaptation research project for Cape Ann, undertaken in collaboration with TownGreen, Water Alliance, and the Town of Manchester-by-the-Sea. WEDNESDAY, MAY 10, 2023
View at YoutubeHarvard Professor Charles Waldheim, Dr. Jayne Knott, and Essex Police Chief Paul Francis discussed how climate change and sea level rise will impact the town's roads, bridges, and related infrastructure. Special attention was given to likely scenarios on the Causeway on Rte 133 and Apple Street. Our panel guests presented slides and visuals/maps and the webinar included Q & A, breakout groups, and/or a community engagement session.
View at YoutubeA virtual presentation by Northeastern University’s Joan Fitzgerald.
View at YoutubeAdaptation and implementation solutions for Long Beach and Downtown Rockport were explored by a panel of experts. Participants learned about threats to existing structures and infrastructure.
View at YoutubeA collaboration between artists and teachers on learning about the Great Marsh in Essex County, Massachusetts. The students of River Valley Charter School embarked on a year-long study of the climate and science of the Great Marsh and this video shows that experience they had and the end result.
View at YoutubeAdaptation and implementation solutions for Long Beach and Downtown Rockport were explored by a panel of experts. Participants learned about threats to existing structures and infrastructure.
View at YoutubeCape Ann Conversations: Changing Coastal Communities are hosted by the Harvard Graduate School of Design's Office for Urbanization. These convenings form a portion of the ongoing multi-year climate adaptation research project for Cape Ann, Massachusetts undertaken in collaboration with the Cape Ann Climate Coalition, TownGreen, Water Alliance, the City of Gloucester, and the Town of Manchester-by-the-Sea. Dr. Kerry Emanuel is Professor Emeritus at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Professor Emanuel has made foundational contributions to the science of tropical cyclones, climate, and links between them, and has been a prominent voice in public debates on climate change, and what we should do about it.
View at YoutubeDowntown Rockport was featured in this webinar, specifically sea level rise and anticipated impacts from storm surge and flooding with a focus on the Dock Square wastewater pumping station and Bearskin Neck. Dr. Jayne Knott reviewed incremental sea level rise maps and data highlighting vulnerabilities. Harvard’s Charles Waldheim and Kira Clingen outlined the possible scenarios of flooding in the Downtown area due to a Category 3 hurricane. Local experts will provide context to understand the wastewater pumping station issues. And, Bearskin Neck merchants shared stories about their experience with flooding and storms.
View at YoutubeThis Rockport-focused webinar addressed climate impacts to the Long Beach ecosystem. Dr. Jayne Knott outlined incremental sea level rise on Long Beach with projections and visuals followed by Harvard’s Charles Waldheim and Kira Clingen who addressed the threats from a Category 3 hurricane. We heard from Laura Kozachek, Chair of Rockport’s Conservation Commission. An open forum discussion followed the presentations to allow for the sharing of thoughts, ideas, and concerns.
View at YoutubeTownGreen’s Open Forums provide a summary of ongoing projects and news and allows the public to ask questions and participate in discussions regarding climate change impacts and strategies on Cape Ann.
View at YoutubeState Senator Bruce Tarr gives a summary of the Massachusetts climate legislation and related funding that he helped shape and pass in recent months: An Act Driving Clean Energy and Off-Shore Wind passed in 2022 and The Next Generation Roadmap Bill passed in early 2021. This unprecedented focus on climate reflects growing awareness and the state’s response to the reality of the threats created by climate change. December 14, 2022
View at YoutubeTownGreen hosted its second workshop/webinar in the series focusing on the Good Harbor Beach ecosystem: Protecting and Preserving the Good Harbor Beach Ecosystem for Current and Future Generations, on Wednesday, November 30th from 6:30-8:30pm on Zoom. The webinar, “Adaptation: Is it Possible?” addressed climate adaptation approaches and solutions. Participants heard from experts about the difference between hard infrastructure solutions and nature-based solutions, and discuss solutions that might work for Good Harbor. Denton Crews of Friends of Good Harbor was joined by Barbara Warren, executive director of Salem Sound Coastwatch, to report on Good Harbor marsh adaptations and present coastal adaptation case studies. Harvard Graduate School of Design Professor and Director of the Office for Urbanization, Charles Waldheim, outlined both gray and green infrastructure adaptation solutions presented in the HGSD research study: The Case of Cape Ann: Adaptation Strategy and Precedents. Jayne Knott reviewed infrastructure issues in the built environment, specifically Thatcher Road. This was followed by Q&A with the speakers.
View at YoutubeHave you wondered about the various proposals for the development of harbor front properties, heard about the City’s efforts towards comprehensive urban planning as well as the work of the Harbor Planning Committee, or asked how you might have a voice about what downtown Gloucester is like in the future? Have you been concerned about what experts on the science about climate change might foresee and advise to inform these decisions? Would you like to pose a specific question to an expert and receive a thoughtful, well-informed answer? Presenters will include: Greg Verga, Mayor of Gloucester; Professor Charles Waldheim from the Harvard Graduate School of Design; Professor Antonio Raciti from the University of Massachusetts, Boston; and Kevin Hively, CEO and Founder of Ninigret Partners, a management consulting firm that focuses on economic development and community planning. The Symposium is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be available. This is a rare opportunity to explore one of the most important civic topics of our time and to meet fellow citizens who care deeply about the future of Gloucester. I hope you can join us in the Meetinghouse for this special event.
View at YoutubeThis is the first in a three-part workshop/webinar series that focuses on the Good Harbor Beach ecosystem that includes Good Harbor Beach, Salt Island, the marsh, and the surrounding connected ecosystem. This first workshop was recorded on Wednesday, October 26th, 2022. This workshop was followed by a Good Harbor Beach field trip to tour vulnerable areas identified in the workshop. Chaired by Maureen Aylward, this webinbar featured presentations from: Charles Waldheim, John E. Irving Professor of Landscape Architecture andDirector of the Office for Urbanization, Harvard University Graduate School of Design Jayne Knott, Principal, HydroPredictions Denton Crews, member, Friends of Good Harbor Mary Ellen Lepionka, local historian The 2nd event in this series is scheduled for Wednesday, November 30, 2022.
View at YoutubeThe second EPA Building Blocks for Resilience Workshop will build on the information and insights of Workshop 1 and provide valuable information on resources and solutions to decision makers. This second EPA Workshop’s objectives are: • Confirm climate threats and impacts for Cape Ann • Identify new strategies for mitigation and adaptation • Understand local and regional capacity and other resource needs for implementation • Understand potential funding opportunities (state, federal, and private) to meet needs
View at YoutubeProfessor Charles Waldheim presented the full narrative of The Great Storm of 2038 Scenario and outline four adaptation measures identified to prepare and mitigate the effects of hurricanes, northeasters, and other storms.
View at YoutubeThe EPA Building Blocks Resilience Workshop Brings Together Municipal Leaders and Cape Ann Community
Over 60 leaders and participants from across Cape Ann came together on Wednesday, April 27 from 9-11AM to address the threats to Cape Ann from climate change, including likely damage to roads, water and sewer infrastructure, and natural systems. The EPA Workshop, the first of two, included presentations from the TownGreen-sponsored Harvard Graduate School of Design’s The Case of Cape Ann: Typologies of Vulnerability study. Climate threats like sea level rise and rising temperatures over the course of this century, as identified in Municipal Vulnerability Plans, were presented by Ellie Baker of Horsley-Whitten, a consulting group to EPA. Kira Clingen of the Harvard Graduate School of Design gave an overview of The Great Storm of 2038 Scenario with graphics and animation illustrating devastating impacts on Cape Ann infrastructure and residents.
View at YoutubeThe Harvard Graduate School of Design is planning a roadmap for a more resilient Cape Ann in the face of climate change. Greg Federspiel of the Cape Ann Climate Coalition reviews the proposal "Climate Mitigation, Adaptation & Resilience Planning on Cape Ann". This was presented at the Cape Ann Climate Coalition meeting on October 8th, 2020. This design is called: Confronting the Challenge of Climate Change: Designing the Future of Cape Ann.
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