From rising sea levels to more frequent and intense storms, the impacts of climate change are a reality for coastal Maine. But climate resilience isn't built alone. Join the Boothbay Region Climate Action Team (BRCAT) at 6 p.m. May 15 at Barters Island Community Hall for an evening of community as we rise to meet the challenges of a changing world, together.

BRCAT invites community members to attend the public climate workshop to discuss critical environmental issues surrounding the Boothbay area and hear from fellow residents about their vision for climate resilience. All are encouraged to join, including families and children, because diverse perspectives are critical to finding viable solutions.

“We have all experienced the impact of climate change and how it has personally affected our lives. I'm looking forward to learning from community members about what risks they see, and how we can work together to address them,” said BRCAT Boothbay Harbor Co-chair Pat Sheldon. “We want to develop the most inclusive plans possible to improve climate resilience, which means hearing everyone’s voice. It's all about the community.”  

Agenda items include discussing climate change and how it impacts our region, and local experts will be on hand to answer questions. The event is also an opportunity for community members to share experiences and priorities that will help shape plans for a sustainable future. 

The workshop is part of BRCAT’s efforts to foster connections that help mitigate the impacts of climate change through locally tailored planning and actionable solutions. In collaboration with the towns of Boothbay, Boothbay Harbor, and service provider Sunrise Ecologic, the committee is creating a regional vulnerability assessment, a community-driven blueprint for building climate resilience. 

“We hope the meeting will provide community members with an opportunity to understand how having a vulnerability assessment can serve as a basis for short and long-term climate planning,” said BRCAT Boothbay Co-chair Louise Cowan. “Evaluating vulnerabilities provides a baseline for developing targeted strategies, measures, and solutions for reducing and possibly eliminating them.” 

The meeting will feature an open agenda, allowing attendees to join and stay for as long as they can. Free food and drinks will be provided.  

For more information and to RSVP, email brclimate@gmail.com. RSVPs encouraged but not required.