Like many coastal communities, Woods Hole, located on Cape Cod, faces an uncertain future. Rising sea level and the potential for increased frequency and intensity of storms present significant long-term threats. Woods Hole is home to world-leading marine science institutions performing critical research from shore-based facilities that enable access to the sea and yet, ironically, are vulnerable to the same climate change impacts that are the subject of study.
Free Public Symposium
Thursday, September 24, 2020
Learn how the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI), Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL), and NOAA’s Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC) are preparing their ocean-front facilities for sea level rise and storm surge, and how community leaders and government officials from the federal, state, and local levels envision our shared future.
Session 1: Resiliency Through Policy
Session 2: A Science Community Prepares
What are the key challenges facing leaders at the federal, state, regional, and local level and how can resources best be put to use to address the multi-faceted challenges associated with climate change on Cape Cod? Hear from representatives at each level and their vision for leadership on this important issue.
Keynote
Congressman Bill Keating, Massachusetts 9th Congressional district
Panel Discussion
Moderator: Emiley Lockhart, WHOI
Panelists
- Megan English Braga, Chair, Falmouth Select Board
- Senator Susan Moran, Massachusetts State Senate
- Dr. Rob Thieler, Center Director, U.S. Geological Survey
- Kristy Senatori, Executive Director, Cape Cod Commission
Woods Hole is home to world-class scientific research organizations that study a wide range of topics related to climate change and climate resiliency, as well as a thriving business community. Hear how WHOI, MBL, NEFSC, and local businesses are preparing for a future of climate change impacts.
Presentation
Research Findings on Climate Resiliency in Woods Hole
Kirk Bosma, Sr. Coastal Engineer & Innovation Director, Woods Hole Group
Panel Discussion
Moderator: Leslie-Ann McGee, WHOI
Panelists
- Paul Speer, Chief Operating Officer, MBL
- Nicole Cabana, Deputy Director, NOAA NEFSC
- Rob Munier, Vice President of Marine Operations, WHOI
- Beth Colt, Woods Hole Business Association
The climate resiliency study and symposium were funded by the Massachusetts Seaport Economic Council.