“Our Ocean Backyard” by Tracey Weiss
TL/DR –
The California Marine Sanctuary Foundation has been awarded a $71 million grant over five years by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to lead a coalition in implementing a climate change combat program in the Monterey Bay area. This program will address the increasing need for improving the climate response and mitigating the climate impact through several projects including fire risk reduction, flood risk reduction and workforce development. The funding is intended to prioritize vulnerable communities affected by storm surge, rising sea levels, flooding, and areas prone to wildfires, and it will also create new jobs and support ongoing environmental projects and partnerships.
Monterey Bay: The Center of Climate Resilience Movement
The Central Coast is the focus of a substantial federal investment in climate resilience. The “Regional Adaptation for Climate Resilience of Monterey Bay Coastal Communities” project is set to conduct extensive climate change mitigation efforts in the Monterey Bay area. This initiative is led by the California Marine Sanctuary Foundation, who received a $71 million National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Climate Resilience Regional Challenge grant.
A Coalition for Climate Resilience
The Foundation, along with 21 coalition members, will fund various projects in Monterey and Santa Cruz counties over the next five years. Their selection is a reflection of their successful history managing collaborations and underscores the urgency of climate resilience work in our region.
Addressing Climate Impact
Local governments, researchers, educational institutions, and nonprofit partners are part of this collaborative effort. Projects include fire and flood risk reduction, workforce development, and the Monterey Bay Climate Adaptation Action Network. Their goal is to improve climate response and mitigation systems.
Biodiversity Hotspot under Climate Threat
Monterey Bay, home to the southernmost section of the earth’s largest temperate redwood rainforest and the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, is a biodiversity hotspot that is on the frontlines of understanding climate change impacts.
Role of the California Marine Sanctuary Foundation
Founded in 1995, the Foundation plays a crucial role in protecting California’s coastal ecosystems and increasing coastal resilience. Their work involves collaborations with local communities, state agencies, sanctuaries, tribal groups, marinas, harbors, and NGOs.
Funding Critical Climate Projects
The $71 million grant is a game-changer for regional climate change response. Included in the funded projects is a $16 million investment to restore Pajaro River wetlands, crucial for water quality and flood reduction. Fire risk reduction efforts will cover 7,150 acres, while workforce programs will be established at UC Santa Cruz, California State Monterey Bay, and Hartnell College.
Creating Jobs and Mitigating Climate Impact
California Marine Sanctuary Foundation’s efforts will lead to the creation of local jobs, internships, job training, and certification programs. The grant will support 15 full-time jobs, 270 part-time jobs, and 350 paid internships. The funding will prioritize vulnerable communities impacted by storm surge, sea level rise, flooding, and wildfire.
Future of Climate Resilience
California Marine Sanctuary Foundation’s science-centered collaborative management approach will not only kickstart new projects but will also support ongoing efforts while fostering strategic partnerships. This collaboration will benefit our communities, educational institutions, and resilient regional economies.
Learn more about Regional Adaptation for Climate Resilience of Monterey Bay Coastal Communities, at https://www.californiamsf.org.
—
Read More US Economic News