Join Maine Campaign Case Statement - Flipbook - Page 48
Photos: © Phoebe Parker
COMMUNIT Y PROFILE
ANNE
FUCHS
Director of Mitigation, Planning, and Recovery,
Maine Emergency Management Agency
Addressing climate change is a critical part of the Maine
Emergency Management Agency’s (MEMA) vision of a
“ready, resilient Maine.” In my opinion, the biggest threats
that Maine communities are facing from climate change
come from rising sea levels and storm surges. Not only
does approximately 34 percent of the state’s population
reside on the coast, but there is also a significant amount
of major infrastructure at risk of inundation along these
shorelines and inland as well.
28
The Nature Conservancy has been a phenomenal partner
to MEMA and has offered extensive support to countless
cities, towns, and settlements across the state. TNC has
provided these communities with the firsthand technical
(and sometimes financial) assistance needed to jumpstart
some extraordinarily difficult hazard mitigation and
environmental protection projects.
enormously supportive role in helping communities address
climate change challenges.
The Coastal Risk Explorer Tool developed by TNC is one
of the most advanced and user-friendly systems of its
kind available today. It has essentially set the standard for
modern coastal flood and sea-level rise mapping. Between
TNC mapping systems, knowledge of existing and
potential project sites, and an understanding of alternative
funding opportunities, TNC is uniquely equipped to play an
Dynamic conditions associated with climate change are
liable to pose a tremendous financial burden on Maine
communities. We look forward to continuing to partner
with TNC to provide early recognition of where these risks
exist and to identify the resources that can help mitigate
the danger, which are essential strategies for successfully
adapting to climate change.
JOIN MAINE | NATURE.ORG/MAINE
