Prof. Lawrence Susskind serves as Keynote Speaker at 2008 EPA New England Climate Change Forum at UNH

The June 19, 2008 EPA New England Climate Change Forum at the University of New Hampshire brought together scientists, university experts, and regional, state and municipal officials to examine the latest scientific findings on the impacts of climate change on natural resources, and the scientific tools under development or still needed to help government officials plan for these impacts. The keynote speaker was Professor Larry Susskind who talked about "best practice" with regard to adaptation and the pre-requisites for for effective public engagement and collaborative decision-making. The specific goals of the forum included:

1. Presenting the latest research on the impacts of temperature change, sea level rise, erosion, storm damage, and precipitation changes on coastal beaches, estuaries, wetlands and marshes, ports, communities, industry and shorefront property; stormwater, air quality, dams and fisheries; and on drinking water supply and treatment and wastewater treatment;

2. Identifying and discussing science-based tools, such as predictive coastal impact and watershed computer models, needed by environmental regulators to adequately plan for these impacts; and

3. Establishing a dialogue between government officials and scientists, to ensure that policymakers have ready access to the best science and science-based tools in their climate change planning.