Rhode Island Climate Change Collaborative
Researchers from the University of Rhode Island (URI) and the Rhode Island Sea Grant have joined forces to form the Rhode Island Climate Change Collaborative - linking experts in natural science, behavior science and communications to collectively engage in research and outreach to prepare Rhode Islanders and build resilient communities. This research collaborative project was funded by Rhode Island Sea Grant and the URI Coastal Institute and involves Rhode Island Sea Grant Extension, the URI Coastal Resources Center, the URI Coastal Institute, the URI Cancer Prevention Research Center, and the URI Harrington School of Communications.
The immediate goal of the Collaborative is to share information with the public about climate change impacts on the state, and what adaptation options are available, through a comprehensive website “Rhode Island Climate Challenge: Waves of Change." The site is designed to aid in answering climate questions, and to provide practical guidance on what can be done to minimize risks. According to the Collaborative, they “have made every effort to respect diverse opinions on how best to adapt to climate change, while illustrating the inevitable problems with which we all have to deal.”
Climate impacts are explained in the “Changes” section of the website, categorized by: Temperature; Sea level rise; Seasons; Rain, Snow & Storms; and Ocean Acidification. Each impact area has a dedicated page with background scientific information and discussion articles, related news and “factoids.” The Sea level rise page opens with “Waders are the new Uggs” commentary – so the site is aimed at disseminating approachable news about today’s climate impacts in Rhode Island, and keeping it light.
The “Impacts” section of the website is organized by sectors including: Coastal, Land, Water, Social, and Economic. The site opens with “How Climate Affects You,” and then each sector has a dedicated page describing how it will be impacted.
The “Actions” section provides ways to prepare for climate impacts, and what to do to ready yourself, your home and/or business, and your community against the inevitable arrival of climate change. The “What Can You Do” and “What’s Being Done For You” pages provide information from both perspectives on climate awareness, emergency preparedness, and protective actions.
Related Organizations:
- Rhode Island Sea Grant
- University of Rhode Island
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