Sea-level rise due to global warming along the coast of Maine is increasing at a rapid pace, with some estimates predicting levels to rise by as much as two feet by 2050. We'll discuss what is causing the waters to rise more quickly, how it will impact coastal communities and structures, and what towns and individuals can do to prepare. We'll also find out how historic buildings can be protected from rising waters.
Guests
Susie Arnold, marine scientist, Island Institute
Gayle Bowness, science education program manager, Gulf of Maine Research Institute
Hannah Pingree (call-in), director, Maine Office of Policy Innovation and Future; co-chair, Maine Climate Coucil
Peter Slovinsky (call-in), coastal geologist, Maine Geological Survey, Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry
Julie Larry (call-in), director of advocacy, Greater Portland Landmarks
Matt Lutkus (call-in), town manager, Town of Damariscotta
Tora Johnson (call-in), chair, Division of Environmental & Biological Sciences, University of Maine, Machias; director and associate professor, GIS Lab & Service Center
Resources
- Staying Above Water: the Past, Present, and Future of Greater Portland’s Historic Coastal Communities
- Assessing the Impacts Climate Change May Have on the State’s Economy, Revenues, and Investment Decisions: Summary Report
- Climate Highlights from Around Maine: Maine’s Climate Future: Coastal Vulnerability to Sea-Level Rise
- Gulf of Maine, Explained: Sea Level Rise
- Maps of Maine Communities Affected by Sea-level Rise
- Top 20 Maine Towns Affected by Sea-level Rise