FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 31, 2015
CONTACT: Oren Wool (707) 879-8324, info@sonomacountyadaptation.
Rohnert Park, CA – The final agenda has been announced for the Sonoma County Adaptation Forum to be held April 8, 2015 at the Sonoma State University Student Center in Rohnert Park and will feature speakers and panelists discussing how Sonoma County can plan for, and adapt to, the risks of climate change.
The forum will open with a “State of the County” address by Board of Supervisors Chair Susan Gorin, who represents the First District, a region that extends to the San Pablo Bay, and is likely to be impacted by sea level rise.
“This will be a wonderful opportunity to bring together a broad spectrum of community leaders to discuss the challenges we face with climate change and the potential solutions,” said Supervisor Gorin. “We must make it a priority to invest in the resilience of our communities and plan for adapting to the impacts of a changing climate.”
The event is intended to present the latest science on the local impacts of climate change and bring together individuals, organizations, and businesses who are working to ensure Sonoma County remains vibrant in a changing climate. The forum agenda can be found at: http://sonomacountyadaptation.
Panel discussions will include “Extreme Weather Science – Drought and Deluge in Sonoma County,” “Adapting to Extremes: Managing the Risks of Climate Change in Sonoma County through Planning and Response,” and “Moving the Needle: Changing the Conversation about Climate Change.” Also featured will be short, five-minute “Ignite!” presentations on various topics such as Community Choice Aggregation and reducing greenhouse gas reduction and the benefits of recycled water.
“There is cutting-edge scientific work that is being done on extreme weather in our region by locally and nationally recognized scientists,” said Jay Jasperse, Sonoma County Water Agency Chief Engineer, who will be the moderator for a panel on Extreme Weather Science. “One of our panelists will discuss work being done on sea level rise and its anticipated impacts in coastal areas of Sonoma County. A strong scientific foundation is important to inform policy decisions and management strategies to improve the resiliency of regional water resources.”
The event will close with a keynote address by Glenda Humiston, California State Director at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Rural Development. Dr. Humiston will highlight her efforts to preserve and conserve our local natural resources through restoring forests, improving watersheds, and supporting the health of private working lands in a changing climate. A wine reception will follow.
The April 8th Sonoma County Adaptation Forum is being hosted by Sonoma State University (SSU). Registration opens at 8 a.m. for the Adaptation Forum and includes morning coffee, lunch, and a closing reception. Advance registration is suggested. You can register online at: http://
For more information or to request a press pass, contact Oren Wool at (707) 879-8324 or info@sonomacountyadaptation.