Climate Change History

Connecticut completed a Climate Action Plan in 2005.  The plan focused on greenhouse gas reductions (mitigation), however the Governor’s Steering Committee on Climate Change created an Adaptation Subcommittee in 2008.  In 2009 the Department of Environmental Protection published, “Facing Our Future,” an initial examination of existing knowledge about climate change impacts that were unavoidable.

Current & Future Action

In April of 2010 the Adaptation Subcommittee published its first report, “Impacts of Climate Change on Connecticut Agriculture, Infrastructure, Natural Resources and Public Health.”  The document outlines the need for adaptation measures and explores possible avenues of action and discussion.  The Natural Resources workgroup under this subcommittee identified many of Connecticut’s wetland ecosystems as being at risk from climate change effects.  A second report covering adaptation strategies, including conservation strategies for wetlands, is expected by the end of 2010.

Pilot Programs/Current Studies

The adaptation strategies report from the Adaptation Subcommittee is expected to include several wetlands case studies.  At this time, however, the State does not have any case studies to report.

For More Information

The Adaptation Subcommittee website is: http://ctclimatechange.com/index.php/ct-happenings/gsc-adaptation-subcommittee/

The Adaptation Subcommittee’s final first report is available at: http://ctclimatechange.com/index.php/the-impacts-of-climate-change-on-connecticut-agriculture-infrastructure-natural-resources-and-public-health-2010/

For more information about climate change and wetlands contact:

Denise Ruzicka at (860)424-3853 for inland wetlands.

Harry Yamalis at (860)424-3620 for coastal wetlands.