Climate and Energy

Modest initiatives in planning can help future-proof communities against tomorrow’s extreme weather. Federal Sandy recovery funds should cover these investments.

Gov. Christie’s Sandy Recovery Action Plan doesn’t include funds, or a requirement, for long-term resiliency planning. Without those, New Jersey’s rebuilding efforts will not prepare the state sufficiently for the next major weather disaster.

The Rebuilding a Resilient New Jersey Shore conference brought together a diverse group including university professors, planners, engineers, attorneys, FEMA employees, architects, local and state officials and others concerned with the future of the New Jersey coastline.

A demonstration project in Oceanport highlights coastal vulnerabilities to storms and offers ways for the community to build its resiliency to them.

The Jersey Shore is one of the state’s most treasured assets: people live there, vacation there, and work there, and the region is a significant driver of New Jersey’s economic growth. But we must rebuild it in different ways in order for it to survive severe weather events such as Hurricane Sandy. Here are just some of the critical questions that must be addressed at all levels if we’re going to make the Shore a more resilient, more sustainable place.

The devastation from Hurricane Sandy created a wake-up call on the need to rebuild the Jersey shore in a way that respects nature and protects people, properties and public investments. Come hear expert speakers address key topics, and share your opinion on how we can restore a thriving, healthy and resilient coastal region.

May 31, 2012 — Over the past decade, solar power has become increasingly popular in New Jersey, for a host of good reasons. Solar energy is clean and renewable. It reduces our carbon footprint and our dependence on foreign sources of petroleum. Solar has the potential to meet an ever-larger percentage of New Jersey’s energy needs far into the future.

Edward Blakely
Edward Blakely is honorary professor of urban policy at the U.S. Studies Centre, having previously served for two years as executive director – the “recovery czar” – of the Office of Recovery and Development Administration in New Orleans following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. Recently, Prof. Blakely has been selected to be a member [...]

A workshop focused on state DEP grants for the development and implementation of climate-friendly design guidelines and zoning standards that allow for compact, walkable mixed-use development and/or transit-oriented development. July 20, 2009.

An innovative “green” building plan replaces old garages with energy-efficient apartments for low-income tenants and brings much-needed affordable housing to one of New Jersey’s most affluent towns.