Climate change summit blows into Beauport Hotel | News ... - Gloucester Daily Times

Climate change summit blows into Beauport Hotel | News | gloucestertimes.com

Like politics, all climate change is local. That’s one message that will be delivered in a very local way this week when Gloucester’s Beauport Hotel hosts the ninth bi-annual 2023 New England Ocean Science Education Collaborative (NEOSEC) Ocean Literacy Summit: Connecting Climate, Communities, and Coasts.

The three-day summit begins Wednesday, Nov. 15, with cocktail mix ‘n mingle at Great Marsh Brewing Co. in Essex, and ends Friday, Nov. 17, at 6 p.m., following a day of tours and field trips.

The event is, TownGreen Director Maureen Aylward said, recognition of the city’s achievements in facing down the challenges of coastal climate change through collaborative community action that led to Gloucester’s reputation “as a regional climate leader.” It was also one of the first communities in the state to achieve the Green Community designation.

Aylward, who recently launched a monthly podcast (Nature Wins) devoted to local climate change initiatives, said she is “thrilled” to see this prestigious gathering of climate change experts choose Gloucester in its 400th anniversary year, supporting the city’s vision to inspire future generations to honor the past and work collectively to frame the future.

The summit’s vision is in perfect sync with the city’s focus on connecting scientists, educators, community leaders and neighborhoods to critically think together about equitable collaboration, share best practices, and provide networking opportunities, Aylward said.

Each day has its own agenda.

Wednesday evening’s meet and greet is casual, with trivia and prizes and a chance to experience the singular 17th century beauty of Essex and its clam flats.

Thursday, the sea itself is the backdrop at the Beauport, where the day will be devoted to talks, networking and learning. At 1 p.m., Samantha Farland and Jesse Mechling of the Center for Coastal Studies, and Joseph Dellicarpini, of National Weather Service Boston/Norton, will give the presentation, “New Path for Connecting Communities through Research and Education: The Outer Cape Shoreline Management Data Hub”.

Friday will be Gloucester’s chance to showcase not just its gorgeous coastline, but its sea-related culture and impressive efforts to save them from climate change. The summit will close with a daylong lineup of tours and field trips to local sites. The stops will include the historic Cape Ann Museum, Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute and Ipswich’s coastal jewel, the Trustees of the Reservation.

Of primary import is the mission to make people understand how ocean literacy principles help understand climate change issues unique to coastal new England. and the sea that provides the region with so much industry and natural beauty.

The summit’s organizers, the New England Ocean Science Education Collaborative, represent a wide range of organizations and institutions throughout the region, which include ocean science educators, scientists and facilitators, all of whom are dedicated to ocean literacy.

Member institutions include aquariums, science centers, Sea Grant programs, government entities, colleges and universities, ocean education associations and projects, state and federal nature reserves.

Though online registration is closed, walk-in registration is available at the door. The full summit is $250 or $175 for one-day registration on Thursday.

For details and more information, visit www.neosec.org.