From an analysis of the 2020 presidential election to the discussion of climate change’s impact on water, The Watershed Institute’s virtual 4th Annual Watershed Conference attracted almost 150 policymakers, academics, and engaged citizens last week.
Spanning four days of the first week of November, 13 separate webinars addressed a broad range of topics. During the keynote address, Dr. Ben Strauss, CEO and Chief Scientist at Climate Central, stressed the importance of using stories to draw attention to the issue of climate change.
Ed Potosnak, Executive Director of New Jersey League of Conservation Voters, shared his insights and timely analysis of the election results. Attendees learned about using behavioral science to share information about green infrastructure from researchers from Princeton University and heard how ecological engineering enhances flood resiliency from experts at the New Jersey Institute of Technology.
Experts also discussed the latest technical strategies for monitoring water quality and heard from environmental organizations working to prioritize and normalize racial justice.
Staff from the Watershed Institute led a session focused on the state Department of Environmental Protection’s Green Infrastructure Rule and recommended enhancements for towns to adopt to address flooding and protect and restore water quality.
“Despite the restrictions caused by the pandemic, we’re pleased this important conference offered a virtual venue for an exchange of ideas and information on the vital issues of our day,” said Jim Waltman, executive director of the Watershed.
