John Lindsey to present on climate change and our coastline Saturday

Residents are invited to learn about the impact of climate change on weather patterns, specifically the growth of large wave events along the California coast, during a free presentation Saturday at the Santa Maria Public Library.

Retired PG&E meteorologist and environmental specialist John Lindsey, in partnership with the American Association of University Women, will present “The Mysteries of our Climate” in Shepard Hall from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. 

The program will focus on how climate change is creating more unpredictable environmental disasters, and what communities can do to combat the changes.

According to the AAUW, there is a site capacity of 100-120 people for the event, and seating is available on a first-come first-serve basis. Street parking is available, as are spaces in the parking garage near the library and Santa Maria City Hall. 

Lindsey said that the presentation will center primarily around the increase of large-wave events and their impacts on coastal communities; including erosion of coastlines, the destruction of sea-walls and other protective structures, and the unprecedented damage to popular and economically vital piers and ports.

“Large wave events have increased by approximately 78% in energy or force along our coastline since 1983,” said Lindsey, who is also a weather columnist for the Santa Maria Times. “When combined with rising sea levels, this trend means that coastal infrastructure such as piers and seawalls, will face increasing stress as ocean temperatures continue to warm.”

In addition to highlighting impacts to local coastlines and coastal infrastructure, Lindsey will talk about the global impact of climate change on hunger, sickness, migration and the increase of population shifts around the world. 

A question and answer session with Lindsey will follow.