Science Thursdays -- The Changing New England Winter Climate

New England winters are warming faster than its summers, and the loss of cold and snow has impacted natural ecosystems and our local communities. In this talk, Dr. Elizabeth Burakowski, UNH Research Asst. Professor at the Institute for the Study of Earth Oceans and Space, and an Affiliate in the Dept. of Earth Sciences, will discuss how winter climate has changed, what we can expect in the future, and how our ecosystems and winter recreation communities have responded to warmer winters.

November 7 - Climate Change and Transportation Infrastructure

Our transportation infrastructure is constantly exposed to the environment and thereby vulnerable to damage from climate change, leading to accelerated deterioration, reduced lifespan, increasing maintenance costs, as well as operational and socio-economic consequences. Eshan Dave, UNH Professor in the Dept. of Civil & Environmental Engineering, will highlight transportation’s vulnerabilities and discuss adaptation strategies to make our infrastructure more resilient. 

November 14 - Climate Change in New Hampshire: Effects on Forests and Wildlife

Climate change has already begun to impact NH with more frequent severe weather, hotter and drier summers, and warmer and wetter winters. These changes will have a significant impact on our trees, forests, and wildlife as shifts in species distributions, changes in forest composition, and increased stress from pests and pathogens reshape NH’s ecosystems. Lindsay Watkins, UNH Cooperative Extension Natural Resources (Extension Field Specialist, Forest Resources), will lead a discussion of some of the expected ecological, economic, and cultural impacts of climate change, together with adaptive strategies and conservation efforts that may help protect our valuable forest resources. 

November 21 - Remodeling your Home to be Resilient and Sustainable

Over the past 35 years, Dennis Meadows (UNH Emeritus Professor of System Management) has gone to a great deal of effort and expense to make his Durham residence more resilient and sustainable - making it more energy efficient, ‘geezer’ friendly, and heat resistant. Come and hear about his experience and efforts - you may be able to do the same to your residence!