MD Commission on Climate Change adaptation report
The Maryland Commission on Climate Change released its report "Comprehensive Strategy for Reducing Maryland's Vulnerability to Climate Change, Phase II: Building societal, economic, and ecological resilience" on January 24, 2011. The report details the findings of the Scientific and Technical Working Group, comprised of experts representing six sectors—human health, agriculture, forests and terrestrial ecosystems, bay and aquatic ecosystems, water resources, and population growth and infrastructure. Each sector assessed climate change vulnerabilities, and recommended adaptation strategies for the State of Maryland. The Phase II report follows "Phase I: Sea-level rise and coastal storms," and "Global Warming and the Free State: Comprehensive Assessment of Climate Change Impacts in Maryland."
IAN delivers environmental science films through SchoolTube
The UMCES channel on SchoolTube, sponsored by IAN, will bring videos about environmental issues to middle- and high-school students. Through these videos, students and teachers can follow scientists as they go in the field, explore unique ecosystems, and hear from people impacted by environmental issues. Unlike other video-sharing websites, SchoolTube is trusted by educators and allowed to stream in classrooms across the country. Thus, IAN and UMCES will be able to share its research with a new audience and inspire the next generation of environmental scientists. Stay tuned … our channel is growing.
Baltimore State of the Harbor Conference
In an effort to secure a swimmable and fishable Baltimore Harbor by 2020, the Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore has prepared a Healthy Harbor Initiative to help guide sustainable land practices. Together with the Waterfront Partnership, EcoCheck is working toward a baseline assessment of conditions in Baltimore's Inner Harbor and its watershed. An overview of current harbor conditions, including bacteria, trash, nutrient, and toxin statuses, will be presented by Dr. Heath Kelsey at the State of the Harbor Conference on February 5, 2011. The conference is free and open to the public. Though registration is full, you can still be placed on the conference waiting list by registering online.
Dennison sabbatical in Queensland, Australia
Bill Dennison will be based in Brisbane, Australia until July 2011 as part of a sabbatical at the International Water Centre. The International Water Centre is formed by a consortium of Australian universities focused on education, training, applied research, and expert services in the water sector. Australia's variable rainfall climate (prolonged droughts punctuated by intense rainfall) have stimulated innovation and creative solutions in water management. Queensland is currently in the midst of major flooding, following a drought that began in the mid-1990s, so it will be an interesting time to be based in Queensland. Updates on this sabbatical will be posted on the IAN blog.