Within the past decade, New Jersey has experienced its wettest and warmest years in over a century of observations. Extreme events of late, including Sandy, Irene, and a number of hot summers, suggest that something is happening to NJ’s climate regime. Natural variations alone cannot account for these NJ (and global) anomalies. Human influences on climate are significant, prompting discussion as to how society might mitigate or develop greater resiliency to increasing climate change. This presentation will explore the physical dimensions of the issue, both short and long term. Information will also be provided on how interested individuals can contribute to the monitoring of weather/climate conditions in the local region by participating in the Community Collaborative Rain Hail and Snow Network and how they may follow current weather conditions via the Rutgers New Jersey Weather Network.

Dr. David A. Robinson is a Distinguished Professor of Geography at Rutgers University and NJ’s State Climatologist. He is a frequent speaker on issues pertaining to New Jersey’s weather and climate. He is a contributor to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and the US National Climate Assessment. Dave is a Fellow of the American Meteorological Society and a recipient of the American Association of Geographers’ Lifetime Achievement award.

Email: ref@westorangelibrary.org for link.