Resilient Connecticut featured in The Hour

December 7, 2022

South Norwalk is among 7 CT neighborhoods picked for climate study. Here’s what it means.

By: Abigail Brone

Cars drive through flooding
FILE PHOTO: Cars drive through flooding on Water Street in 2021. South Norwalk was selected among seven neighborhoods in Fairfield and New Haven counties for a state program developing climate mitigation plans. Erik Trautmann/Hearst Connecticut Media

NORWALK — The South Norwalk neighborhood is one of seven communities in New Haven and Fairfield counties chosen by the state for climate mitigation planning.

In the first meeting of the recently formed Resilient South Norwalk Steering Committee, local leaders and state project managers outlined the city’s involvement in the Resilient Connecticut program.

Norwalk’s inclusion in the Resilient Connecticut program was announced in August, but the first of four advisory committee meetings took place last week.

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UConn Attends COP 27 Meetings in Egypt: Reflections from Jim O’Donnell

December 2, 2022

Norway and Palau founded this “High Level Panel on the Sustainable Ocean Economy” in 2018.  It includes a group of heads of states and 15 countries. John Kerry introduced speakers and the moderator, Eliza Northrup, Secretariat to the Ocean Panel. Panel members in the photo include senior officials of the governments of member nations:
Espen Barth Eide, Minister for Climate and the Environment, Norway
Derek Klazen, Minister for Fisheries and Marine Resources,  Namibia
Ambassador Dr. Satendra Prasad, Permanent Mission of Fiji to the UN
Lord Zacharias Goldsmith, Minister for Energy, Climate, and Environment, UK
Chris Bowen, Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Australia

Last month, CIRCA’s Exec. Director Jim O’Donnell helped lead a UConn contingent, including 14 students, to the 27th United Nations Conference of Parties Climate Conference (COP) taking place in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. The COP is an opportunity for world climate experts, activists, and leaders to meet and discuss measures to act in the face of the climate crisis. Following is a summary of a high level panel on a “Sustainable Ocean Economy” and reflections from Dr. O’Donnell who attended the panel, introduced by John Kerry, U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate…

The discussion of wind power, and hydrogen- green shipping unexpectedly resonated with me since these are all very relevant to the future of Connecticut’s economy. The development of the New London State Pier as a hub for the construction and maintenance of wind turbine fields is major initiative of the state and I realize now how essential it will be. Similarly, I see the University’s commitment to research on hydrogen as a fuel seems a wise strategy much more clearly now than I did a few weeks ago. The transition to a carbon-free economy remains challenging, but it creates many new opportunities for innovation and its good to see Connecticut at the center of some of them. But deploying them rapidly in the near future will be essential if the greater that 1.5C of warming is to be avoided. Here is a short summary of the panel discussion including a few thoughts of mine:

US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate introductory remarks called for a pledge from all countries to preserve 30% of all waters in their jurisdictions, and for the world to limit warming to 1.5C. He also noted the need for “green shipping” or zero emission ships. He also reminded everyone that the US has a goal is to generate 30 GW of offshore wind power by 2030 and 50 GW more of wind of energy on floating platform by 2035. Note that Millstone currently generates about 2 GW and is about half of CT’s needs. CT plans to generate 2GW from wind by 2030. Existing construction will lead to approximately 0.8GW.  The Commissioner of CTDEEP has been quoted as expecting the need to be 5 GW by 2040.

Norway’s Minister for Climate and the Environment, Espen Barth Eide, began the panel by describing the Green Shipping Challenge, launched in the first week of COP27 by the USA and Norway. The greenhouse gas emitted by the global shipping industry exceeds that of Iran and Germany, currently the countries with the eighth and nineth largest national emissions. The challenge is to entirely decarbonize shipping by 2050 and the minister pointed out that several Norwegian shipping lines are already only ordering dual fuel vessels so that they will be ready for the transition. I later visited the Norway Pavilion and learned about companies that have designed and are building prototypes of massive ocean-going cargo carries with rigid sails. Minister Eide also noted that this initiative builds on the Clydebank Declaration of COP26 that committed countries to providing clean fuel facilities at all major ports.

Australia’s Minister Bowen pointed out that 99% of its trade by volume is shipped and was happy that Australia had joined the Green Shipping Challenge. Australia has aligned its Hydrogen hubs with port and industrial areas since it is likely to be a major element of the decarbonization strategy. They are also prioritizing the development of “Green Shipping Corridors” to major trading partners in Singapore and Indonesia.  He also noted that the Australian Government was now accelerating the development of offshore wind electricity generation, which for a country with large coal reserves, is a very positive sign.

Lord Zacharias Goldsmith, the UK’s Minister for Energy, Climate, and Environment endorsed the Green Shipping Challenge and reported that the UK is developing 5 Green Corridors. The UK is a leader in the deployment of ocean-based wind generation a noted that only a few years ago he had thought that the industry would need a subsidy to develop until 2042, however, the costs have come down much faster than expected, 70% since 2015, and is now almost equivalent in cost to carbon based sources. He noted that the UK currently generates 13.1 GW from offshore wind and estimates show that all of the UK electricity needs could be provided by wind power.

Derek Klazen, Minister for Fisheries and Marine Resources for Namibia focused his remarks on the critical need effectively manage fisheries. Namibia is anticipating expanding marine protected areas in its exclusive economic zone and is increasing penalties for violators. It is also collaborating with adjacent countries to protect offshore waters. Ambassador Dr. Satyendra Prasad, Permanent Mission of Fiji to the UN, emphatically noted that “There is no future for the ocean that we can contemplate beyond 1.5 C”. He described numerous products and services that will be devastated if warming exceeds 1.5C. He concluded that the technology needed for the goal is available, and Lord Goldsmith later agreed, but that financing for implementation is inadequate.

UConn’s COP27 fellows also wrote their initial impressions of this world event. To read excerpts from a selection of student blogs, see a UConn Today article – UConn@COP 27: Looking for Solutions to the Climate Crisis.

CIRCA Hiring Data Analyst/Programmer (Research Assistant 2)

December 1, 2022

APPLY HERE

Search #: 497039
Work type: Full-time
Location: Avery Point Campus
Categories: Research

JOB SUMMARY

The University of Connecticut (UConn) seeks applicants for the position of Data Analyst/ Programmer (Research Assistant 2) in the Connecticut Institute for Resilience and Climate Adaptation (CIRCA) to provide support for activities associated with the Resilient Connecticut and Environmental Justice Screening Tool projects. CIRCA is a multi-disciplinary center that coordinates applied research and engagement programs to develop and advance practical solutions to problems caused by changing climate.

With the supervision of the Assistant Director of Research, the Data Analyst/Programmer will work on a team developing GIS maps, data archiving and sharing, and data analysis associated with CIRCA projects. The development of documentation and presentations will be required.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Collect, achieve, quality control and analyze data for mapping.
Develop programs for data manipulation and preparation of graphics.
Develop interactive mapping applications and static maps on demand using GIS.
Assist in setting up and maintaining GIS data feeds and data sources.
Author data reports, responsible for miscellaneous data analysis.
Participate in workshops and meetings.
May participate in the planning, developing, and implementing of grant proposals.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, engineering, geosciences, or closely related field and two to three years of post-degree experience or an M.A. or M.S. and from no experience to one year of post-degree experience. Equivalent specialized training and experience may be considered for those without a degree.
  • Experience with computer programing and data analysis (i.e., Matlab, Python, R).
  • Experience with GIS.
  • Above-average attention to detail, possess cartographic awareness, and ability to communicate effectively with colleagues (verbal and written).
  • Working experience using the ESRI suite of products, including ArcGIS Pro, ArcMap, and ArcGIS Online.
  • Strong organizational skills and ability to work effectively with a team of collaborators.
  • Ability to perform work in multiple locations and attend occasional evening and weekend meetings.
  • Available to start work at Avery Point, Groton, CT, within one month of the offer.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Process data for statistical analysis.
  • Experience with THREDDS.
  • Knowledge of Python and ability to use ArcPy.
  • Create an ArcGIS story map or experience.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This will be a 40-hours per-week, 12-month, annually renewable, non-tenure track position at the level of Research Assistant 2, with an expected commitment of yearly contract renewable depending on funding and performance. Salary will be commensurate with experience.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

TO APPLY

Please apply online at https://hr.uconn.edu/jobs, Staff Positions, Search #497039 to upload a resume, cover letter, a short sample of writing (250-750 words) for a general audience on any mapping/scientific topic, sample GIS project portfolio (max 3 samples that can include pdf maps, online dashboards, storymap, etc. generated), and list of names and contact information for three (3) professional references.

This job posting is scheduled to be removed at 11:55 p.m. Eastern time on December 25, 2022.

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp.

The University of Connecticut is committed to building and supporting a multicultural and diverse community of students, faculty and staff. The diversity of students, faculty and staff continues to increase, as does the number of honors students, valedictorians and salutatorians who consistently make UConn their top choice. More than 100 research centers and institutes serve the University’s teaching, research, diversity, and outreach missions, leading to UConn’s ranking as one of the nation’s top research universities. UConn’s faculty and staff are the critical link to fostering and expanding our vibrant, multicultural and diverse University community. As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer, UConn encourages applications from women, veterans, people with disabilities and members of traditionally underrepresented populations.

Advertised: Nov 28 2022 Eastern Standard Time
Applications close: Dec 25 2022 Eastern Standard Time

Ten Year Anniversary of Super Storm Sandy

November 3, 2022

Twed Airport Flood

Ten years ago the reality of stronger storms, climate change, and sea level rise arrived on our shore with Super Storm Sandy. The storm damaged approximately 3,000 homes in the state and knocked out power to over 600,000 customers. It was reported that the Town of Madison had the highest recorded wind speed in Connecticut at over 80 miles per hour and gauges at Bridgeport and New Haven both measured a storm surge over 9 feet, causing extensive flooding in many shoreline towns. The resulting damage cost Connecticut over $350 million and exposed weaknesses in our preparedness to extreme weather and coastal flooding.

The storm prompted wide concern about our vulnerability to the consequences of climate change and severe weather and marked the beginning of a rapid expansion of climate-change informed planning across Connecticut with both mitigation and adaptation actions. In the decade that followed, local and state agencies, academic institutions, and organizations around the state have mobilized more resources and capacity to address the issue of climate change. To highlight these efforts, UConn’s Connecticut Institute for Resilience & Climate Adaptation (CIRCA) in partnership with CT Department of Housing (DOH) and CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) hosted an event on October 28th at the Avery Point campus’ Branford House to mark this ten year anniversary: Super Storm Sandy in Connecticut: Progress & Challenges After Ten Years

“Much has been done since Super Storm Sandy, but we are at best only at the end of the beginning,” says CIRCA’s Executive Director Jim O’Donnell. “The transition to a resilient and equitable society and economy will require at least three or four more decades of creative planning and investment. A safe and vibrant future for Connecticut depends on a both emissions reductions to limit climate change and its impacts, and locally appropriate adaptation and resilience actions to enhance public safety and the societal infrastructure that can sustain economic competitiveness.”

At the event state leaders, including Senator Blumenthal, DEEP Commissioner Dykes, and DOH Deputy Commissioner Hanks, highlighted Connecticut’s progress and challenges to address the increasing threats of climate change in the ten years since this memorable storm. In addition, DOH led an overview of federally funded Community Development Block Grant projects, including highlights from CIRCA’s Resilient Connecticut and the City of New Haven’s resilience focused projects. A poster session also provided examples of state-wide programs and broad capacity building implemented during this time. The event raised awareness of the progress that we have made as a state and highlight what remains to be done as climate challenges intensify in the decades ahead.

Materials are now available as links from the Sandy Anniversary web page – these include a video of the event, presentations, and posters.

CIRCA Hiring Community Resilience Planner

October 19, 2022

The University of Connecticut (UConn) seeks applicants for the position of Community Resilience Planner (Research Assistant 2) at CIRCA to provide support for various phases of the Resilient Connecticut program as well as support to new programs. CIRCA is a multi‐disciplinary center that coordinates applied research and engagement programs to develop and advance practical solutions to problems caused by changing climate. CIRCA is located on UConn’s Avery Point Campus in Groton, CT.

The Community Resilience Planner will work with the CIRCA team, the Councils of Government (COGs), and municipal stakeholders throughout Connecticut to advance climate resiliency planning through mapping, technical analysis, planning document development, and sustained engagement. Activities will include use of GIS and StoryMap in the collaborative development of plans and reports, participation in, coordination of, and reporting from meetings with municipalities and COGs.

Learn More & Apply

CIRCA Highlighted on Untold: A CT Mirror Podcast

October 11, 2022

Listen here:
Untold Podcast Episode

Untold: In the climate crisis, who’s really feeling the heat?

The planet’s getting warmer, but we’re not all feeling the effects in the same way. In a recent episode of Untold, Harriet Jones goes inside Resilient Connecticut, one of the state’s biggest climate adaptation efforts, to find out how our towns are preparing for a hotter future. Listen at the start of the podcast for interviews of CIRCA’s research and planning teams. We also meet Kat Morris to learn how the climate crisis intersects with environmental racism, health inequities, global migration and reproductive justice.

Throughout this season the Untold podcast series is looking at issues that are driving young people’s engagement with politics – the climate crisis, reproductive rights, gun violence, gay and trans rights, and access to the ballot box. What about those issues is self-evident? Where do we have common ground as a nation and across generations, and where do we differ? Listen to this new series to learn more!

From @harrietjonesct on Twitter:

CT Summer Heat Wave Webinar – September 27

September 7, 2022

Connecticut Summer Heat Wave Webinar:
Learning From Heat Sensor Research and Implications for Future Climate Extremes

September 27, 12-1:00 p.m.

Heat waves that Connecticut residents experienced this summer are expected to become more frequent and severe, which can be dangerous to human health and require additional understanding and planning. As the summer season comes to a close, CIRCA hosted this webinar for participants to learn about:

  • CIRCA’s heat sensor summer research project, which recorded summer temperature variability in Norwalk and Danbury and examined linkages to surrounding urbanization. “Heat index data” was collected by partnering with municipal staff to deploy wireless heat sensors mounted on electric poles or trees in these two communities. Sensors are recording temperature, relative humidity, and dew point temperature at the street level. Read Norwalk news and Danbury news coverage on this topic to learn more.  Presenter: CIRCA Assistant Director of Research, Dr. Yaprak Onat
  • How the City of Norwalk is taking steps to proactively address the threat of extreme heat waves.  CIRCA’s sensor data is being used to help the city identify vulnerable areas to heat, especially among disproportionately affected communities.  Policies can include where to place cooling centers as well as understanding how certain traffic flows affect heat output.  Presenter: Aniella Fignon, Public Health Program Associate, Norwalk Health Department.
  • Why zoning ordinances offer an opportunity to shape land use policy with the intent of creating communities more resilient to heat. For example, resilient design standards can include the use of reflective materials or vegetation on roofing to lower temperatures in and around buildings. Tree canopy protections, native landscaping, and vegetative buffers not only lead to lower temperatures, but these policies also serve to slow runoff and reduce flooding, encourage recreation, and boost energy efficiency by lowering cooling needs. Presenter: Louanne Cooley, Legal Fellow, UConn School of Law.

To learn more about the heat sensor study, listen at the ~11min mark for this week’s interview of CIRCA’s Dr. Yaprak Onat on the Lisa Wexler Show.

Other resources on this topic include:

CIRCA Hiring Environmental Justice Student Intern

August 4, 2022

CIRCA-icon

Attention current UConn students! 

Paid Internship – Connecticut Institute for Resilience and Climate Adaptation  

Search UConn JobX ID #13113

The Connecticut Institute for Resilience and Climate Adaptation (CIRCA), located at the Avery Point campus of the University of Connecticut in Groton, CT is looking for a paid intern to work 8 hours per week with the Institute’s staff on the Environmental Justice Mapping project. Students from all UConn campuses are eligible for this position. The internship will be mostly remote, but the ideal candidate will be able to attend in-person Connecticut public workshops in early 2023.

Tasks include: 

  •  Attending virtual and in-person committee meetings for meetings summaries and note-taking, adding meeting information to website 
  • Writing up proceedings, summaries, notes from workshop as a workshop summary for our website and for the final report 
  • Update CIRCA contact databases as necessary 
  • Assist with administrative tasks, including meeting support 
  • Write and post on social media and on website updates 
  • Prepare fact sheets 
  • Communicating with towns for finding event space  
  • Other duties as assigned 

Minimum qualifications: 

  • Strong writing, research, and communication skills
  • Previous experience working in an office environment are preferred.

Preferred qualifications: 

  • Experience with website updates (I.e. Aurora aka WordPress)
  • Demonstrated coursework or experience in environmental policy, communications, and environmental justice
  • Bilingual is a plus.

The position will be from September 2022 – April 2023. There is a slight possibility of an extension to July 2023, if intern is available and pending availability of funding. 

How to apply: Please send a short (max one page) cover letter describing why you would want to participate in this work, demonstrating your understanding of environmental justice and its importance, and a one-page resume that shows you have the ability to do this work well, and the names and contact information for two references to Lauren Yaworsky at lauren.yaworsky@uconn.edu by September 6, 2022. Qualified candidates will be contacted to schedule an interview. Interviews may begin before the closing date.

June Webinar – Designing Seven Projects for Municipal Resilience

June 7, 2022

 

June 22, 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.

The Resilient Connecticut project focuses on regional climate planning through research and engagement to inform municipal-to-regional scale pilot projects. Phase III of Resilient Connecticut will develop seven site specific projects that build on regional assessments of extreme heat and flood vulnerabilities and the resulting 63 “Resilience Opportunity Areas” identified in Phase II. These seven new projects will include local engagement, detailed analysis, and the development of concept plans. Join this lunchtime “brown-bag” webinar to learn about and ask questions for the seven projects chosen in New Haven and Fairfield Counties.