By Newport Energy and Environment Commission
The Newport Energy & Environment Commission is hosting a summer educational series on climate change and resilience. Join us to learn what environmental impacts Newport county and Aquidneck Island are facing and how we can work to address them.
There will be three opportunities this summer to hear from experts in their fields on environmental concerns relevant to our community and have your questions answered. In collaboration with academic institutions, governmental agencies, and environmental nonprofits, the Energy & Environment Commission aims to facilitate an informative and robust discussion on the future of our community.
The series will be hosted at Newport City Hall in the second floor City Council Chambers, each running from 6:30-8:30pm. We will have 40 minutes for extended introductions from speakers, 40 minutes for a discussion between them facilitated by a member of the Energy & Environment commission, and 40 minutes for audience questions. All are welcome to attend these free and public events.
July 23, 6:30pm
Panel one: Climate Change & Aquidneck Island
What environmental changes have Newport and surrounding municipalities seen in the recent past, and what can we expect as climate change continues to impact the area? Explore impending threats and strategies for resilience with our first panel of the series.
Introductory remarks by: Mayor Xay Khamsyvoravong
Facilitated by: Sam Whitin, Commissioner on Newport’s Energy & Environment Commission
Panelists:
- Dawn Euer. Rhode Island State Senator
- Professor Stephen Porder, Associate Provost for Sustainability, Brown University
- Topher Hamblett, Executive Director, Save the Bay
August 8, 6:30pm
Panel two: The Effect of Climate Change and Offshore Wind on Fisheries and Ocean Ecosystems
Fisheries are an important economic and cultural aspect of Rhode Island life. Our various fisheries employ and feed many individuals, as well as support the tourism industry. What effect does climate change have on Rhode Island fisheries? How do we implement mitigation tactics, such as offshore wind, while continuing to support sustainable fishing in the Ocean State? Panelists will address these questions and more.
Facilitated by: Emily Conklin, Vice-chair of Newport’s Energy & 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 Fishery Ecosystem Dynamics
- Andrew Lipsky, Chief, Offshore Wind Ecology Branch, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
- Frederick Mattera, Executive Director, Commercial Fisheries Center of RI
August 15, 6:30pm
Panel three: Offshore Wind Development off of Aquidneck Island and Newport County
Offshore wind development off of Rhode Island and the East Coast has increased in recent years. How are developments planned and executed, and how will they impact our communities? What is the role of offshore wind in meeting climate goals? Join us to explore the nuances of this complex topic.
Facilitated by: Avery Robertson, Chair of Newport’s Energy & Environment Commission
Panelists:
- Julia Livermore, Deputy Chief of the Division of Marine Fisheries, RI Department of Environmental Management
- Nick Horton, Climate Action Rhode Island ‘Yes to Wind’ Campaign organizer
- David Langlais, Iron Workers Local 37
