State Senator Tony Hwang moderated a Hurricane Coastal Resiliency Forum to address the growing threats of climate change and extreme weather to Connecticut’s shoreline communities.
The forum held on Aug. 11 in Fairfield featured environmental and public safety experts, highlighted the urgency of preparation as rising seas and warming oceans fuel stronger storms.
“Climate change is real, and it’s accelerating,” stated Hwang in a press release. “We must be proactive. This is about saving lives, protecting homes, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of our communities.”
Speakers included Jim O’Donnell of UConn’s The Connecticut Institute for Resilience and Climate Adaptation, who noted municipalities must plan for up to 50 inches of sea level rise by 2050, and Robert LaFrance of Audubon Connecticut, who emphasized wetlands as cost-effective natural storm defenses. Retired Fairfield Police Lt. James Perez stressed the importance of heeding emergency warnings, while Fairfield Flood & Erosion Control Board member Becky Bunnell pointed to ongoing infrastructure upgrades funded by ARPA but said communities must decide whether to build beyond minimum standards.
