In this session on sea level rise, Hannah Baranes, Ph.D. (Research Scientist at the Gulf of Maine Research Institute) will begin by discussing the science of sea level rise, its impacts to southern Maine, and future adaptation. She will address the role of climate change in the January 2024 storms; the projected acceleration in sea level rise later this century; and sea level rise impacts to southern Maine’s coastal ecosystems. She will share her perspective on how we, as individuals and communities, can prepare for future sea level rise. Following this, Dean Lessard, P.E. (Town of York Engineering Director) will provide an overview of the damage done last year along our beaches during ocean storm events. He’ll be speaking about the Town of York Long Sands Beach seawall project and how the Town is armoring our critical road infrastructure.
This program is part of our 2025 Climate Change Series: Coastal Impacts and Resources. This series is co-sponsored by York Public Library, York Ready for Climate Action and York Land Trust. Sessions include: Sea Level Rise on Feb. 12, Offshore Wind on Feb. 26, How to Speak Bird on March 12, Native Bird Stroll on March 16, Working Waterfront on March 26, Coastal Tourism and Sustainability on April 9, Helping Coastal Towns to Adapt on April 23, and Invasive Plant Removal on April 29. Most are virtual programs!
