More work and investment are needed to ensure all waters in Maine are safe for swimming, according to a new report. At least 36 beaches in the state were potentially unsafe for swimming at some point during 2022. John Rumpler, clean water director for Environment Maine, said polluted runoff and failing sewer systems are putting swimmers health at risk. .
Business leaders in Maine are working to raise awareness of the growing number of climate change-related job opportunities. The state s recent approval of a new offshore wind energy industry and growing solar industry will require a steady pipeline of STEM-trained workers but not necessarily those with a four-year college degree. Phillip Jordan, vice president of the BW Research Partnership, said Mainers would benefit from educational opportunities highlighting the certifications and skills required for the growing green-energy sector. .
Recent research shows the Appalachian region could see a future wave of climate-related migration. Early findings point to the need for robust infrastructure investments to support a potentially growing population.
New federal legislation aims to help farmers in Maine and elsewhere share their knowledge of conservation practices as they face an increasing number of climate change-related weather events. The "Farmer To Farmer Education Act" would help build and support farmer-led education networks so new farmers can learn from those more experienced in coping with droughts or floods. Erin Foster West - policy coordination and management director at the National Young Farmers Coalition - said while government agents can offer support, many farmers prefer learning from friends and neighbors they trust. .
By Janie Ekere for The Daily Yonder.Broadcast version by Nadia Ramlagan for Kentucky News Connection for the Public News Service/Daily Yonder Collaboration A new report from Invest Appalachia, a self-described social investment fund, looks at ways to bring economic development to Central Appalachia as climate change increasingly determines where Americans live. The report released in May analyzed emerging climate data from Appalachia. According to its findings, Central Appalachian states like Kentucky and North Carolina will likely see a population increase due to climate change-related migration. .