Keene Plans For Climate Change

People in Keene aren’t likely to soon forget the devastating floods of October of 2005.
Flooding from nearby brooks sent nearly seven feet of water into some homes. (Nat sound water)
Back then, resident Doris Mullet lost most of her antiques when flood waters poured into her basement.
“We’ve never had a problem in 52 years, I can’t believe it.”

But Keene city planner Mikaela Engert says climate change could bring about more severe weather for New England.
1171 :14 what we expect here really is some of the stuff we’re already seeing, increased precipitation events, so more flooding such as we experienced in 2005 and the fall of last year, we’ll also see some changes in the growing season, spring will come earlier, fall will start later.

Current science predicts global warming will cause changes in the region’s biodiversity, forest and plant species, and in precipitation.
Keene Mayor Mike Blastos says the city can’t sit idly by.
1088 :30 we’re concerned about the health of the community, I’ve got children and grandchildren and I’m concerned what its going to be like when they get to be adults, what kind of air they’re going to be breathing, is there going to be enough water to go around, are the trees still going to be straight and tall, the effect on the environment unless everybody jumps aboard could be horrible.”

Keene was the first city in the nation to pilot a program to see how well cities can adapt to climate change.
The program is run by ICLEI – the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives.
ICLEI’s Northeast Director Kim Lundgren says the program looks not just at environmental impacts of climate change, but social and economic effects as well.
20:47 what is this going to look like for the maple industry? how do you prepare for that? if there are going to be more floods how does the department of public works prepare for that, can they start looking at areas now that are already vulnerable and start making upgrades.

Keene planners and department heads have already drafted a report that looks at the city’s vulnerabilities.
The first part examines buildings, roads, and bridges – those most affected during heavy storms.
City planner Mickaela Engert.
A lot of discussion looked at not only well obviously we need to increase some of our culvert size, but also innovative ways to reduce runoff, so incorporating green stormwater design systems into our building codes.

Engert says those designs include green roofs to capture stormwater runoff, and porous pavement.
Buildings may need stronger rooftops to handle heavier, wetter snow.
The second part looks at how climate change would affect the region’s wetlands, habitats and open space.
Engert says one of the most surprising finds from this research: what climate change could mean for food security.
“1175 1:03 if we have changes in temperature and season that means that our plant species that we’re able to grow here are going to be different, we might not be able to grow some as affectively as we have been – we might see drought conditions, so our crops might fail because of that”

And if food isn’t produced locally, drought conditions elsewhere could affect Keene’s supply.
The city is also looking at managing its water resources and using what are called greywater systems, which is a way to recycle and reuse wash water.
None of the recommendations in the report are set in stone yet.
But Engert says she thinks it’s important for all communities to plan for climate change.
Rebuilding after a natural disaster such as the floods of 2005 wasn’t cheap.
She says taking action today can save communities money in the long run.
For NHPR news, I’m Amy Quinton.