NJ’s climate future: Storm flooding / NJ Spotlight / February 9, 2024

The effects of climate change are becoming increasingly disruptive throughout the world.

Threats such as storm flooding, increasing land and marine heat, sea level rise, saltwater intrusion, drought and wildfires are being experienced with greater frequency and intensity —  affecting populations, property and infrastructure.

In response, nations and global organizations are attempting — with yet unknown effect — to coordinate efforts intended to slow global temperature rise and mitigate climate change impacts.

In New Jersey climate change is already impacting workforce, housing and education resources, portending threats to the state’s environmental and economic future, and affecting the physical and mental health of residents, particularly those in environmental justice communities.

To address climate change, Gov. Phil Murphy has instituted aggressive goals for transitioning the state to clean energy, yet the many political, economic, logistical, and environmental complexities reveal the magnitude of the challenge.

In this NJ Spotlight News virtual roundtable series, we will hold:

• Three editions exploring the science behind New Jersey’s specific climate change vulnerabilities and the policies intended to address the impacts of each
• One edition evaluating the scope of policy actions the state is taking — and may yet need to take — to enable New Jerseyans to adapt to an increasingly intense and volatile new climate normal

The first roundtable in the series, which took place on Feb. 7, addressed storm flooding and water infrastructure effects on water quality, housing, environmental justice, and state economics.

Panelists:

Amanda Devecka-Rinear, Executive Director, New Jersey Organizing Project | New Jersey Resource Project

Brooke Maslo, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of Ecology, Evolution and Natural Resources, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

Mark McDonough, President, New Jersey American Water, Senior Vice President, American Water

Mayor Richard M. Onderko, Borough of Manville, New Jersey

Jon Hurdle, Water & Environment Writer, NJ Spotlight News

Moderator:

Briana Vannozzi, Anchor, NJ Spotlight News