Stevens Hosts Experts on Severe Weather Threats to Urban Areas

Hoboken, NJ, June 27, 2012 --(PR.com)-- Even as extreme climate events are more frequently disrupting the lives of millions in coastal cities, and 95% of goods worldwide continue to travel by ship, many ports are inadequately prepared for the evolving threats posed by severe weather. With the ultimate intent of preparing our urban coasts for the worst, Dr. Alan Blumberg, Director of the Center for Maritime Systems at Stevens Institute of Technology, and Dr. Cynthia Rosenzweig of Columbia University/NASA-GISS have organized a conference titled “Impacts of Extreme Climate Events on Urban Coasts”, to be held at the Stevens Babbio Center Auditorium on June 26th and 27th.

According to Dr. Michael Bruno, Dean of the Charles V. Schaefer, Jr. School of Engineering and Science, “As scientists and engineers, we must undertake the urgent mission of ensuring that the public is informed and aware of the true significance of our urban coasts, and the consequent potential for loss if we do not adequately plan for these extreme events.”

People have tended to settle in coastal areas throughout much of human history because of the intrinsic value of being close to the ocean; international trade, travel, recreation, and everything between and about these essential activities are likely to occur in that zone. This tendency has only increased in modern times. However, Dr. Blumberg stresses, “Changes in sea level and climate have meant that coastal populations must make new considerations for a shifting environmental reality.”

The conference will present an opportunity for experts to discuss state-of-the-art research on extreme events in a changing climate and gauge the impact of research into potential risks to urban coasts on stakeholders and the public at large. The gathered experts will also identify the most urgent challenges (institutional or otherwise) that hinder the application of practical solutions, and share experiences about obstacles and opportunities in planning for extreme climate event impacts on coastal cities.

The workshop will be sponsored by the Coastal Zone Community of Partners, Group on Earth Observations, and the Consortium for Climate Risk in the Urban Northeast (a NOAA RISA project).

It will run from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, June 26 and Wednesday, June 27.

Space is limited. If you are interested in attending, please respond to Dr. Linda Sohl at les14@columbia.edu.

About the Center for Maritime Systems
The Center for Maritime Systems at Stevens Institute of Technology works to preserve and secure U.S. maritime resources and assets through collaborative knowledge development, innovation and invention, and education and training. Composed of four integrated laboratory activities and three support groups, this Center has become the world’s leader in delivering new knowledge, advanced technology, and education in support of the maritime community. It uniquely integrates the fields of naval architecture, coastal and ocean engineering, physical oceanography, marine hydrodynamics and maritime security to create a trans-disciplinary enterprise that can address both the highly-specialized issues confronting each discipline, as well as the more complex, integrated issues facing natural and man-made maritime systems. The inclusion of undergraduate and graduate students in this collaborative research endeavor continues the Stevens tradition of Technogenesis® - where students, faculty, and industry jointly nurture new technologies to the benefit of society.

Learn More: http://www.stevens.edu/ses/cms/