Community groups in Skaneateles want to expand the discussion around climate change and the impacts it’s having on Central New York. Academic experts and local officials will look at things such as local algae blooms, which experts never thought could happen, and ways to reduce fossil fuel use on Wednesday night. The session is being put on by the Saint James Church Master Class, Skaneateles Lake Association, and Sustainable Skaneateles.
Chris Carrick is Energy Program Manager for the Central New York Regional Planning and Development Board, and will be on the panel. He started local solar power and geo-thermal heat programs .
“We know that a handful of people, or thousands of people, switching to geo-thermal heart pumps or solar power is not going to get us where we need to be. But when folks do that, it sends a message to their neighbors, to their co-workers, to their friends and more importantly to policy makers that people are willing to embrace this technology.”
He says increased heat waves and strong storms are taxing public infrastructure. More than personal choices, Carrick believes government needs to play a role.
“The whole idea that we as individual consumers, force the change we want to see is part of the problem. We need collective action, bold public policy and frankly we need investment in the systems that make these choices more affordable and easier to do.”
The state has recently passed climate change and green energy goals. He adds localities can also adopt the “Climate Smart Communities Pledge.”
MASTER CLASS SERIES: CLIMATE CHANGE - A DISCUSSION FOR CENTRAL NEW YORK
Speakers include:
- Dr. Charles Driscoll from Syracuse University,
- Dr. David Barclay, a paleoclimatologist from SUNY-Cortland,
- Chris Carrick, energy program manager, CNY Regional Planning and Development Board,
- Christopher Gorman, community & customer management, National Grid and
- Dr. Brian Leydet, epidemiologist and disease ecologist from SUNY-ESF.
- The event will be moderated by Chris Bolt, Ed.D., News Director at WAER.
The Panel Discussion takes place at Saint James Church in Skaneateles, 96 E. Genesee St., Skaneateles, starting at 7:30 p.m.
This copy has been updated to correct copy errors.
