Spruce Run Reservoir in Hunterdon County during 2002 drought. Photo by Dan Van Abs.
Throughout this century, climate change is projected to modify New Jersey’s weather patterns, hydrology, ecosystems, and water supply resources and utility systems. A white paper providing an overview of anticipated climate change implications for the state’s water supply and possible management responses to address these concerns, was released by the New Jersey Climate Adaptation Alliance in 2016.
In a NJ Spotlight op-ed, former governors Tom Kean and Jim Florio, both honorary chairpersons for the Alliance, cite the report and advocate taking action now to adapt and prepare New Jersey’s water supply for changing climate conditions. The governors emphasize that acting now not only protects the state’s water supply for future generations, it can potentially reduce costs in the long run.
The report “Climate Change Adaptation in the Water Supply Sector”, was authored by Daniel Van Abs (CC ’77), associate professor of practice for water, society, and environment and guided by Jeanne Herb (CC ’81), associate director of the Environmental Analysis and Communications Group at the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, and Marjorie Kaplan associate director of Rutgers Climate Institute. Kaitlyn Millsaps, a graduate student at the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers, conducted the literature review.
Van Abs is also co-editor and co-author also with Karen O’Neill of “Taking Chances: The Coast After Hurricane Sandy” from Rutgers University Press.
