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CNS Faculty Members Boutt, Woodruff, and DeConto Named to Mass. Climate Science Advisory Panel

January 19, 2024 Careers

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Boston Harbour

The Healey-Driscoll administration recently announced the launch of a Climate Science Advisory panel, which will draw heavily on the expertise in the College of Natural Sciences’s Department of Earth, Geographic and Climate Sciences. Rob DeConto,  David Boutt and Jon Woodruff will bring their knowledge of sea-level rise, hydrogeology, sedimentology, and coastal dynamics to help inform state and local climate adaptation planning and projects. 

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David Boutt, Jon Woodruff, and Rob DeConto
Clockwise from top left: David Boutt, Jon Woodruff, and Rob DeConto

The Panel is comprised of experts within Massachusetts and across the region who will advise the new Massachusetts Office of Climate Science (OCS) on the latest advances and applications in climate science related to hazards such as extreme heat, flooding, sea level rise, and health impacts to inform the state's climate adaptation and resilience strategy.  

“The launch of this Panel could not be more timely, and I am proud to serve the Commonwealth in this capacity,” says DeConto. “Massachusetts is warming considerably faster than the national average, precipitation events are becoming more extreme, and our coastlines are experiencing accelerating sea level rise. Without thoughtful planning, these mounting environmental stressors will begin to push, and in some cases exceed, the limits of the Commonwealth’s adaptability, with negative and unequal impacts on our communities, economy, ecosystems, and our collective future. To me, this Panel is an important step toward ensuring a thriving, sustainable, and just Massachusetts for generations to come.” 

“The creation of the Climate Science Advisory Panel will be a tremendous resource as we integrate climate action into every agency in state government,” said state Climate Chief Melissa Hoffer. “We must commit to following the latest scientific findings and expand our whole-of-government approach to tackle future extreme climate events. The guidance provided by these experts will ensure that we have the latest data to promote public awareness of climate change and to make the best decisions for our communities.” 

Article posted in Careers for Faculty and Public

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  • Earth, Geographic, and Climate Sciences

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