Producer/Host: Meredith DeFrancesco

Program Topic: Climate change’s connection to Hurricane Sandy, and a local Maine initiative working to create community level momentum to combat carbon emissions

Key Discussion Points:
a) We look at the connections between the destructiveness of Hurricane Sandy and climate change.
Sea levels from Boston to Norfolk, VA are rising four times faster then global averages. Levels in New York are 1 foot higher then 100 years ago. Increased water vapor from warming sea temperatures increases rainfall and flooding, and is connected to the intensification of storms. According the the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), this September had the second highest temperature on record; sea surface temperatures off the Northeast, US, are about 5 degrees above average.
b) Is Hurricane Sandy a watershed moment for public, governmental and media attention to climate change?
c)We also look at the local initiative Maine Partners for Cool Communities to reduce carbon pollution through residential, grassroots efforts.
Guests:
Joseph Romm, Center for American Progress, writes Climate Progress blog at www.thinkprogress.org
Nancy Glassman, Maine Partners for Cool Communities, mid-coast coordinator for Green Sneakers
[email protected], www.coolmaine.org, www.efficiencymaine.com

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