The Newport Energy & Environment Commission is hosting a summer teaching series on climate change and resilience

From the Newport Energy and Environment Commission

The Newport Energy & Environment Commission is hosting a summer educational series on climate change and resilience. Learn about the environmental impacts facing Newport County and Aquidneck Island and how we can combat them.

This summer, you will have three opportunities to hear from experts in their fields on environmental issues relevant to our community and have your questions answered. In collaboration with academic institutions, government agencies and environmental nonprofits, the Commission on Energy and Environment aims to facilitate an informative and intensive discussion about the future of our community.

The series will be held at Newport City Hall on the second floor of the City Council Chambers and will run from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. We will have 40 minutes for in-depth introductions from the speakers, 40 minutes for a discussion between them moderated by a member of the Energy and Environment Commission, and 40 minutes for questions from the audience. All are welcome to attend these free and public events.

July 23, 6:30 p.m.

Panel one: Climate change and Aquidneck Island

What environmental changes have Newport and surrounding communities experienced in the recent past, and what can we expect as climate change continues to impact the region? Explore looming threats and resilience strategies with our first panel of the series.

Introductory words from: Mayor Xay Khamsyvoravong

Made easier by: Sam Whitin, Commissioner of the Newport Energy and Environment Commission

Panelists:

• Yours sincerely, Dawn Senator of the State of Rhode Island
• Professor Stephen Porder, Associate Provost for Sustainability, Brown University
• Topher Hamblett, Executive Director, Save the Bay

August 8, 6:30 p.m.

Panel two: The impacts of climate change and offshore wind energy on fisheries and ocean ecosystems

Fishing is an important economic and cultural aspect of life in Rhode Island. Our various fishing operations employ and feed many people and support the tourism industry. What impact does climate change have on Rhode Island fishing? How can we implement climate change mitigation measures, such as offshore wind energy, while supporting sustainable fishing in the Ocean State? Panelists will answer these questions and more.

Facilitated by: Emily Conklin, Vice Chair of the Newport Energy and Environment Commission

Panelists:

• Dr. David Bethoney, Executive Director of the Commercial Fisheries Research Foundation
• Dr. Jeremy Collie, Professor of Oceanography, Graduate School of Oceanography, University of Rhode Island. Co-author of Dynamics of the fisheries ecosystem
• Andrew Lipsky, Chief of Offshore Wind Ecology, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
• Frederick Mattera, Executive Director, Commercial Fisheries Center of RI

15 August, 18:30

Panel three: Offshore wind power development off Aquidneck Island and Newport County

Offshore wind development off Rhode Island and the East Coast has increased in recent years. How are developments being planned and implemented and what impacts do they have on our communities? What role does offshore wind play in achieving climate goals? Join us as we explore the nuances of this complex topic.

Made easier by: Avery Robertson, Chairman of the Newport Energy and Environment Commission

Panelists:

• Julia Livermore, Deputy Chief of Marine Fisheries, RI Department of Environmental Management
• Nick Horton, organizer of Climate Action Rhode Island’s Yes to Wind campaign
• David Langlais, Ironworkers Union Local 37