East Bay Lawmakers Form Aquidneck Island Climate Caucus

PORTSMOUTH, RI — Two East Bay lawmakers formed a community group aimed at addressing climate change. Representatives Terri Cortvriend and Lauren Carson held the first meeting of the Aquidneck Island Climate Caucus on Jan. 27, attended by 40 concerned residents.

"Climate change has always been an important issue to us as legislators, and we have been increasingly hearing from our constituents about their concerns about our changing climate and the truly devastating impact it is having both around the world and right here on Aquidneck Island," Carson said. "It isn’t some nebulous threat to us; the impact is already here on the island, where our homes, businesses and historic sites are being damaged by more frequent and deeper flooding. People want action, and this group will help us create a unified voice to call for it and help shape the response."

At the first meeting, attendees decided the focus for three upcoming workshops this spring. The first will be held at the Portsmouth Library from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on March 9, addressing sea rise and resiliency strategies. The two other workshops, not yet scheduled, will focus on the state' carbon footprint and what individuals can do t reduce their own carbon footprint. The events will be open to the public.

"While the enormity of the issue can seem overwhelming, it’s very encouraging that so many of our constituents are so motivated to be part of the solution," Cortvriend said. "There’s real solidarity among the people of our community, who can see the impacts of climate change all around us, in understanding that we must effect significant change. What we heard from people at this meeting was that they want to have an impact on policy, and they want more options for what they can personally do to reduce their own carbon footprint. We’re looking forward to this group becoming a force for real change locally and in our state."

The lawmakers said they are "grateful and feel galvanized" by the initial response, and look forward to working with the public to address climate change.