NEWBURYPORT — Storm Surge recently announced its fall “Speaker Series”, continuing the organization’s mission to bring science-based climate conversations to the community.
The series will address insurance innovation, the future of shellfishing, and water quality in the Merrimack River.
All events are free and open to the public at the Newburyport Senior/Community Center, 331 High St. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for refreshments and conversation, with presentations beginning at 7 p.m. Events are also broadcast on local cable TV and archived online for broader access.
Monday, Sept. 29, 7 p.m.,”When Insurance Markets Fail: Community Solutions for Climate-Threatened Homeowners”: In 2024, natural disasters caused $320 billion in global losses, yet only $140 billion was insured – revealing a growing “protection gap,” according to Storm Surge. With Massachusetts ranking fifth in the nation for homeowner policy nonrenewals, innovative solutions are needed. Charlie Sidoti, executive director of InnSure, will discuss emerging insurance models, including a flood resilience pilot launching later this year in Salem. His talk will cover the state of climate-driven insurance disruption, explain how residual insurance programs function as markets of last resort, and explore practical steps that homeowners and municipalities can take to reduce flood risk. Salem’s pilot program may offer a model for other coastal communities facing similar challenges.
Tuesday, Oct. 21, 7 p.m., “Climate Change and Shellfishing: End of a Legacy or a New Beginning?”: In December, Massachusetts’ only shellfish purification plant on Plum Island permanently closed due to rising seas and storm damage. Wayne Castonguay, regional shellfish program supervisor for the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries, reflects on this loss and offers insight on the future. Castonguay explores how warming oceans, invasive species and acidification are reshaping one of New England’s oldest industries – and how communities can adapt while honoring this legacy.
Thursday, Nov. 20, 7 p.m.: “Protecting the Merrimack: Water Quality and Solutions”
From combined sewer overflows to urban development, the Merrimack River faces numerous challenges. Curt Rogers, the Merrimack River Watershed Council’s executive director, and MRWC Water Quality Project Manager Jose Tapia will present real-time findings from water quality sensors in Newburyport. Learn about remediation efforts and how residents can help protect this vital waterway.
Thursday, Feb. 5: Erika Spanger of the Union of Concerned Scientists returns.
Thursday, March 5: Coastal adaptation expert Emma Gildesgame of The Nature Conservancy leads a community conversation on climate-driven relocation.
Spring screening: “How To Power A City,” a documentary showcasing renewable energy leadership across the United States followed by a virtual Q&A with the director.
More details on the spring programs to follow in the coming weeks.
Since 2013, Storm Surge has presented four to six public events annually, promoting informed climate dialogue and resilience planning in Greater Newburyport. To RSVP or learn more, visit storm-surge.org/speaker-series-2025.