The Challenges are Big, but the Opportunities are Bigger!
Climate change is a huge, complicated issue that threatens our future. The first step to tackling this issue is to learn more about it. In my new blog series this year, I’m going to interview different people about their work involving climate change.
My first interview is with Mrs. Ashby Worley, who is the Nature Conservancy Georgia Chapter’s Coastal Climate Change Adaptation Director. She is in charge of the response to and preparation for the effects of climate change in Georgia like storm surge, flooding, and sea level rise.
- Can you give an overview on what the Nature Conservancy is?
The Nature Conservancy is a global environmental nonprofit working to create a world where people and nature can thrive. Founded in the U.S. through grassroots action in 1951, The Nature Conservancy is now the largest environmental nonprofit in the world. We have more than a million members and over 400 scientists, working in 76 countries and territories.
Our mission is to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends.
- What does the Nature Conservancy do to tackle the issue of climate change?
Though TNC incorporates climate into all of our work, Tackling Climate Change is one of primary goals. Here in Georgia, we have the following 4 pillars of work:
- Promote Climate-Responsive Policy
- Support Renewable Energy Expansion
- Enhance Natural Solutions for Carbon Mitigation
- Help Communities Adapt to Climate Change
- How does your position help you reach people about climate and the impact people have on the environment? Do you have any stories about specific people/groups you’ve talked to that have been particularly inspiring?
I serve as TNC GA Chapter’s Coastal Climate Adaptation Director. I work directly with coastal communities to help them adapt to the climate impacts along our Georgia coast, with particular focus on mitigating the impacts of coastal flooding (from sea level rise, storm surge, tidal flooding, stormwater, etc) and building resiliency to future flooding. We promote nature-based solutions to climate change, such as preserving and restoring coastal marshes & wetlands, dune systems, floodplains, oyster reefs, etc due to their role in reducing risk to our coastal communities, in addition to the wealth of other benefits they provide. We do this by working with communities on online decision support tools that provide science and data on current and future flooding to help inform decision making on land use, development and conservation. We work with communities on resiliency planning and policies that help them become more resilient in the future. We also work with our partners to further the science on climate adaptation and implement on the ground nature-based projects that can help communities reduce coastal risk. In general, communities are very interested and receptive to taking action on climate, as I have found in Glynn & Camden County, and are particularly interested in reducing their risk to future flooding, but often times need partners such as TNC to help them along this learning path (capacity, funding, tools, examples, etc)
- How does climate change impact people in Georgia?
There are a variety of ways climate is currently impacting Georgia. Many of these are noted in the Georgia Climate Project’s stories told from across the state. Here on the Georgia coast, climate impacts include increased flooding of low-lying and urban areas due to above mentioned sources, impacting homes, roads and infrastructure, septic tanks and stormwater systems, superfund sites, beach erosion and ecosystems and more. Additionally, urban heat islands are becoming a challenge in highly developed areas of the coast (i.e. Brunswick and Savannah) due to increased temperatures. Our coastal waters are also experiencing the impacts of climate with the migration of fish due to changing circulation patters and water temperatures, as well as the acidification of our ocean system.
- In your own words, can you explain why climate change is such a difficult challenge to tackle? Why is it more complex than a simple black and white issue?
Climate change is such a large problem that affects so many aspects of life on earth that it can be challenging to understand how one person can make a difference and impact. It is also important to address both climate mitigation (reducing green house gases) as well as treat the symptoms of climate change (adaptation) that we are experiencing. Tackling climate change in these ways takes a systemic change to our world as we know it, which is currently based on cheap fossil fuels and unsustainable development. What’s important, however, is that we take action now to start adapting to these changes and reduce future emissions that could exacerbate the effects. My favorite inspiring quote lately is “The challenges are big, but the opportunities are bigger!”
- What kind of legislation is going on right now involving climate change in Georgia? How can young people get involved?
Currently, I would argue that there is no legislation in Georgia that is focused on climate. The legislative session is currently in session now so theoretically something could be introduced. However, at the federal level, there are a lot more climate policies being considered. TNC has been very supportive of the recently passed Infrastructure bill, as well as the Build Back Better bill, which both have major implications and investments in climate action.
- What do you tell our generation about what to expect for the future of climate change in Georgia?
I’m unsure exactly what one can expect in Georgia in the future. I know coastal flooding and large named storms will continue to be a challenge and get worse over time. Ecosystems will need to migrate and adapt as well, and humans play an important role in ensuring these systems thrive into the future. Though I’m glad to see the enthusiasm, action and focus on addressing climate change these days, I hope that this is just the start of what will be truly meaningful long-term work and commitments to help address climate change. I also truly think that the next generation understands the importance of this challenge and will be playing a significant role in this work. I’m holding hope and glad to see the momentum building.
- What are people doing to prepare for the effects of climate change along Georgia’s coast?
Some actions being taken by coastal communities are elevating homes in order to ensure they are safe from coastal floodwater and knowing flood risks for existing or future development, building living shorelines instead of hardened bulkheads to address erosional banks, installing green infrastructure such as raingardens to help address increased urban flooding, installing tidal flood gates to prevent tidal flooding and replacing culverts to accommodate the increased flooding, using dredge sediments in coastal marshes to help elevate them to keep up with sea level rise, preserving coastal floodplains and corridors in order to accommodate for species and habitat (i.e. marsh) migration caused by sea level rise and increased temperatures, restoring dune systems to help restore habitat and build resiliency to coastal storms. In an effort to reduce climate impacts, renewable energy such as solar power is being implemented in areas across the state and some communities, such as Savannah, are making commitments for 100% clean energy goals, including the use of electric vehicles. Additionally, communities are working on energy efficient home retrofits that enable cost savings for heating/air and reduce the use of energy.
Thank you so much to Mrs. Ashley for being so willing to answer these questions and giving an insight on climate change and the Nature Conservancy!
I have more interviews coming soon so stay tuned for upcoming posts.
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