We had an inspiring and informative conversation at our latest Casco Bay Matters event, Sea level, storms, and surges, oh my! How Maine’s coasts can be resilient to climate change. Marine Geologist Peter Slovinsky from Maine Geological Survey joined Casco Baykeeper Ivy Frignoca to illuminate the latest science on rising seas, and how we can work together to make our coastline and waters resilient to climate change.
Here is a video of the event, for those of you who were unable to attend live or would like to rewatch. Attendees asked more questions than we had time to answer, so we also created a bonus video where we answered them, see below.
If you don’t have time to watch the full event, there are a few key moments you may want to check out. We’ve assembled these three clips into one playlist to make it easy to watch. The playlist is eight minutes long.
In the first clip, Peter shares how rising seas can dramatically increase the frequency and duration of “nuisance” flooding events in Portland and along the shores of Casco Bay. Thee, Peter discusses the historical trends of sea level rise in Portland, dating back to 1912. He points out that over the past 118 years, nearly 50% of the increase in sea level has occurred since 1990. Finally, Casco Baykeeper Ivy Frignoca shares how we can respond to rising seas through adaptable policy informed by science.
Your sea level rise questions answered!
Event attendees asked more questions than we had time to answer . . . until now.
Community Engagement Coordinator Sarah Lyman recently followed up with Casco Baykeeper Ivy Frignoca and Marine Geologist Peter Slovinsky to answer questions we did have time to address during the event. Including:
- Where can we get good local information about projected sea level rise in our community?
- Can future governors disband Maine’s Climate Council?
- What will it cost us if we don’t begin to adapt to coming changes?
- What are some useful actions we can take to help address climate change and sea level rise?
We hope you enjoy this Casco Bay Matters bonus content!
In this bonus content video, Pete and Ivy mention a number of resources. Here are links to those resources:
- Maine Geological Survey’s Sea Level Rise Viewer
- Nature Conservancy’s Coastal Risk Explorer
- Maine Won’t Wait, Maine Climate Council’s climate action plan
- Friends of Casco Bay’s Water Reporter Guide
We are beginning to see the effects of climate change here in Casco Bay. Anticipating and adapting to the impacts of rising seas and stronger storms will prove critical to protecting the health of our coastal waters. If you are on our email list, we will keep you informed on ways you can help make your voice heard on these issues as state and local decision makers continue to develop climate change policies. Joining our email list is also the best way to stay up to date about future events.
If you want to do more, you can always support our work by making a donation or volunteering.
