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Posted on ANNAPOLIS — On Wednesday, August 8th, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) hosted the first meeting of the Maryland Climate Change Commission’s Adaptation & Response Working Group (ARWG). Due to its geography and geology, the Chesapeake Bay region is very vulnerable area to sea level rise. According to the DNR, scientists have already detected sea level rise impacts all along Maryland’s coast including intensified coastal flood events, increased shore erosion, inundation of wetlands and low-lying lands, and salt-water intrusion into groundwater. “If left unchecked, rising temperatures will cause devastating impacts to Maryland’s people, natural resources, and property,” said DNR Secretary John R. Griffin. “We are pleased to have such a diverse group of partners and stakeholders working together to address this critical issue.” On April 20, 2007, Governor Martin O'Malley signed an executive order establishing the Maryland Climate Change Commission and charging it with drafting a Maryland Climate Action Plan. Three working groups operate under the Commission - the Scientific and Technical Working Group, the Greenhouse Gas and Carbon Mitigation Working Group, and the Adaptation and Response Working Group. Chaired by Secretary Griffin, the Adaptation & Response Working Group will recommend strategies for reducing the vulnerability of the State’s coastal, natural, and cultural resources and communities to the impacts of climate change; and develop a comprehensive strategy for reducing Maryland’s climate change vulnerability. At the meeting, DNR Coastal Planner Zoe Johnson presented information about Maryland’s current adaptation and response actions. Bill Dougherty of the Center for Climate Strategies presented information about adaptation and response actions being undertaken by other state and international governments. The ARWG established a proposed work plan and discussed created technical working groups to make progress on its charge. The Adaptation & Response Working Group is comprised of the following individuals: DNR Secretary John Griffin, Chair MDP Director of Resource Conservation Planning, Joe Tassone, Co-Chair Jenn Aiosa, Chesapeake Bay Foundation Rodney Banks, Dorchester County Ronald Bowen, Anne Arundel County Department of Public Works Sherwood T. Brooks, Century21 Newport Bay Realty Carl Bruch, Environmental Law Institute David Burke, Burke Environmental Association Russell Brinsfield, UMD, Wye Research Ron Cascio, Citizen Phillip Conner, Marine Trade Association Peter G. Conrad, Baltimore City Planning Gilbert Dissen, Dissen & Juhn Corp. John Frece, National Center For Smart Growth Bill Giese, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Julia Gorte, Pax World Management Company Lara Hansen, World Wildlife Fund Lynne Heller, Citizen Jason Holstine, Amicas Green Building Center Jesse Houston, Ocean City Department of Planning Anthony Janetos, University of Maryland Joan Kean, Somerset County Dennis King, UMCES Peter Lefkin, Allianz of North America Corp. Joseph Maheady, U.S. Green Building Council Karen McJunkin, Elm Street Development William Miles, Retired – Citizen Joy Oaks, National Parks Conservation Association Robert Pace, U.S. Army Corp of Engineers Dru Schmidt Perkins, 1000 Friends of Maryland Court Stevenson, UMCES Sue Veith, St. Mary’s County John Kostyack, National Wildlife Federation Source: Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) |
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