Commentary: Regional coordination is key to tackling climate action in Maine
The Southern Maine Regional Sustainability and Resilience Program is helping six York County towns address climate change impacts and advance resilience efforts.
By Abbie Sherwin and Karina GraeterSpecial to the Press Herald
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Southern Maine is uniquely poised to advance meaningful climate action through bold leadership by our towns and the innovative approach of the Southern Maine Regional Sustainability and Resilience Program. Climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our time. Municipalities are on the front lines, and southern Maine communities are already experiencing the effects of stronger, more frequent storms, rising seas and extreme temperatures. One 2018 nor’easter caused $3 million in damage in five York County coastal towns. Strapped by limited budgets, insufficient staff capacity and a lack of technical expertise, Maine municipalities find planning for climate change a tremendous challenge.