NYRP Talks: Climate, Community, and Coastal Resilience

On Wednesday, April 24, 2024, New York Restoration Project joined our longtime partner BNP Paribas for a conversation about climate change and the biodiversity crisis. The expert panel included:
Dr. Anne Toomey is an Associate Professor of Environmental Studies and Science at Pace University and the co-founder of Participatory Science Solutions LLC, a social-impact research consulting company based in New York. Her work focuses on developing creative ways of using scientific research to help solve real-world problems, and is the author of a book in press titled "Science with Impact: How to Engage People, Change Practice, and Influence Policy." Anne has also done extensive research along New York City waterfronts, focused on how people use, value, and care for blue spaces, and collaborates regularly with NYC-based organizations such as the Billion Oyster Project, New York Restoration Project, and NYC Parks.
Dr. Chester B. Zarnoch is a Professor of Environmental Studies and Biology at Baruch College, City University of New York (CUNY) and is Graduate Faculty in the Biology Program at CUNY’s Graduate Center. He is also affiliate faculty at the Science and Resilience Institute at Jamaica Bay. Chester has been an active researcher in marine ecology and aquaculture since 2001 and has published papers on shellfish biology, sediment nitrogen cycling, salt marsh ecology, and intensive aquaculture. His current research aims to develop and evaluate nature-based solutions for improving water quality in aquatic ecosystems and for making urban shorelines more resilient to climate change. Chester holds a Ph.D. in Biology (The Graduate Center-CUNY, 2006).
Moderator Andrew S. Lewis is an award-winning environmental journalist and author. He is a regular contributor to The New York Times Magazine, Yale E360, Outside Magazine, and NJ Spotlight News. His book, The Drowning of Money Island, documents a community left behind after a devastating hurricane.
Learn more about New York Restoration Project at nyrp.org