Global Warming Indicators and Coastal Impacts on Connecticut

Meet the Scientists Forum, Groton CT, March 8, 2005

More than 40 concerned educators and citizens from across Connecticut gathered in Groton on March 8th to learn more about the science of global warming impacts and indicators, and how these can best be conveyed to the general public to further solutions to the climate problem.

One highlight of the event, hosted by the CT Science Center Collaborative, was the release of the Northeast Indicators of Climate Change 2005 report, produced by Clean Air-Cool Planet and the University of New Hampshire, and presented at the forum by Dr. Cameron Wake, one of its lead authors. Also presenting were Dr. Tundi Agardi of Sound Seas, Dr. Robert Whitlatch of the University of Connecticut, and Jonathon Pelto of Impact Strategies Inc.

Brief synopses of the forum presentations, and links to them (in pdf form) are available below. (Note: Since not all of this work has yet been published, please refrain from copying or distributing portions of these presentations.)

Northeast Indicators of Climate Change 2005

-Cameron Wake, Institute for the Study of Earth, Oceans and Space, University of New Hampshire

Various biological indicators, including rising temperatures, milder winters, more (and more intense) precipitation, changing growing seasons and rising seas demonstrate the present and increasing impacts of global warming on the ecosystems we depend upon.

Impacts of Climate Change on Northeast Waters

-Tundi Agardi, Executive Director, Sound Seas

Global warming-induced rising sea levels, warming ocean temperatures and changing circulation patterns can mean degradation of ecosystems, loss of species, eroded coastal infrastructure—which in turn poses a potential threat to both industry and human well-being, especially when coupled with other environmental stressors. Sound Northeast marine policy will be critical in adapting to these changes.

Is Climate Change Facilitating the Invasion of Alien Species into CT Coastal Waters?

-Robert B. Whitlatch, Department of Marine Sciences, University of Connecticut

Rising ocean temperatures are allowing species such as sea squirts and zebra mussels to invade areas that were once too cold to be hospitable. Once there, invasive species proliferate due to a lack of natural predators—wreaking havoc on ecosystems, crowding out native species and bringing adverse consequences for industries such as fisheries and recreational boating.

Global Warming Messaging

-Jonathon Pelto, Impact Strategies Inc.

Polls show that “global warming” in and of itself does not rate highly among environmental concerns in recent poll data for Connecticut. Effective messaging on global warming and its solutions should target women over men (women are more predisposed to be concerned on this issue), talk about C02 pollution rather than global warming, and appeal to the desire for healthy communities and preservation of the welfare of younger generations.

The March 8th forum was the second in a series of periodic events to be organized by the CT Science Center Collaborative focusing on the latest global warming science and on how to most effectively communicate that science to the general public. In bringing people together through such forums the Collaborative works to provide professional development opportunities for educators, and to foster leadership and action in Connecticut on global warming.