By
TIM FAULKNER/ecoRI.org News staff
What’s
going on with the Rhode Island Climate Change Commission? By most accounts, it
has moved slowly because of a lack of funding and overall leadership. Meetings
and reports have been delayed, perhaps exacerbated by the fact that Rhode
Island is one of two states without an official climatologist.
Here
is a brief timeline of the commission:
•
Various meetings were held by subgroups, but little has been done in a public
way until pressure from environmental groups prompted the release of an assessment (pdf) last November. An update from the
entire commission is due to the General Assembly by March 1.
The
report is an aggregate of existing research that shows that Rhode Island is
getting hotter, Narragansett Bay is warming and the sea level here is rising
faster than much of the region and the rest of the planet. More drought,
extreme weather, flooding and seasonal changes are expected. Flooding, storm
surges and sea-level rise risk damage to natural habitats, homes and
businesses, agriculture, transportation, drinking water and stormwater
infrastructure, and utilities.
Since
November, two workshops have been held by the commission's Health and
Welfare Working Group. Robert Vanderslice, of the state Department of
Health and co-chair the subcommittee, secured a $1 million federal grant to
organize public seminars and begin compiling relevant research.
So far, his
committee has brought forth data showing that climate change in Rhode Island
may increase the risk of diseases and illnesses. Delayed frost and weaker
winter freezing may increase the spread of vector-borne diseases such as the
West Nile virus from mosquitoes and Lyme disease from ticks.
Lesser
known is the likelihood that warmer weather may also increase occurrence of hay
fever, asthma and other allergies. More air pollution and state emergency alert
days are expected, according to the commission. Hot weather may promote
waterborne diseases, pollute groundwater and increase beach closures. Drinking
water systems are prone to shortages and contamination because of rapid
fluctuations in water levels.
The
economic impacts from heat and drought includes a need for air conditioning in
public shelters. Outdoor activities would likely be curtailed due to heat and
insect exposure. Damage from extreme weather and flooding may lead to moisture
damage and mold in buildings, according to the commission.
Flooding and drought
harm crops and power outages destroy perishable food. Increased coastal
flooding and runoff risk damage to buildings, and freshwater and saltwater
systems. Shellfish and coastal habitats are also threatened, as well as health
risks for pets and livestock.
So
far, health reports suggests outreach to vulnerable populations, such as the
sick and elderly. States and municipalities are urged to set policies for adaptation
so that churches, emergency management agencies, schools and utilities
coordinate emergency relief programs. Adaptation strategies also include
setting policy to manage stormwater runoff through a reduction in impervious
surfaces.
But Vanderslice noted
that initial policy efforts, such as addressing high erosion areas such
as Matunuck Beach Road in South Kingstown, can become a “political
nightmare.”
“How
do we solve it? I don’t know,” he said, noting that it will take more than a
single politician, committee or agency to make progress. The Climate Commission
can build momentum to encourage neighboring states to act with Rhode Island.
“As a region, we might be able to do something,” Vanderslice said.
Rep.
Arthur Handy, D-Cranston, a Climate Change Commission member, expects to see progress
with the commission, including new legislation this year to address
climate adaptation. But overall, he said, in Rhode Island and across the
country, “I feel like climate change continues to get short-shrift.”