New England beaches and coastlines are changing. With climate change bringing higher sea levels and more intense storms, some beaches are being pushed back by many feet – and others disappearing completely. Our new series, Washout: Our vanishing beaches, launched this week and takes a deeper look into the issue. We hear about some of the ways Rhode Island’s local and state leaders are responding, and meet a photographer who’s been documenting the region’s changing coastline for 50 years. Plus, later in the program, a studio session from Providence musician J. Mamana, who explores grief and hope on his new album, “For Every Set of Eyes.” That and more on this week’s show.
coastal erosion
Posted inEnvironment, Local
‘That conversation is coming’: South Coast towns may consider managed retreat, green infrastructure in response to rising seas
Editor’s note: This story is part of “Washout: Our vanishing beaches,” a series about the reshaping of Rhode Island’s shoreline. This interview has been edited for length and clarity. TRANSCRIPT: Luis Hernandez: Shoreline communities throughout our region are faced with growing questions about how to manage the beach erosion caused by climate-related storms and rising seas. Today, we take […]
Posted inEnvironment, Local, Newport Bureau
Newport official says continued beach erosion could threaten the city’s water supply, way of life
Last winter’s storms took a heavy toll on the city’s beaches, including Easton’s Beach, which is located at the start of Newport’s famed Cliff Walk. The city’s public services director, Bill Riccio, is the person in charge of leading Newport’s response. As part of our ongoing series on shoreline erosion in the region, Riccio spoke […]
Posted inEnvironment, Local, The Weekly Catch
Preparing for coastal erosion, Vineyard Wind to compensate fishermen, and more
Offshore Wind company Vineyard Wind is establishing a fund to pay fishermen for financial losses they may suffer as a result of the wind farm being built near Martha’s Vineyard. As South Coast Bureau Reporter Ben Berke tells us, it’s the first program of its kind in the nation. And the General Assembly is considering a bill that would create a comprehensive plan to deal with threats to the Rhode Island coastline. We hear from bill sponsor State Rep. Tina Spears. Meanwhile, Newport Bureau Reporter Cheryl Hatch talks with a group of residents in Portsmouth that are taking storm and flood preparedness into their own hands. Also, we have a studio session with Keith McCurdy of Providence-based gothic folk band Vudu Sister. Plus: a look back on the week in politics; and a few recommendations on what to do this week.
Posted inEnvironment, Local, Newport Bureau
Residents in a Portsmouth neighborhood take storm and flooding preparedness into their own hands
“Hi. Yeah. Yeah, we’re going down to the plantings.” Nicole Gotovich calls out to Common Fence Point resident Mil Kinsella, who’s passing in her SUV. Gotovich is taking me on a tour of the community’s sea level rise and storm surge mitigation projects. As we walk along Common Fence Boulevard on Mount Hope Bay, Gotovich […]
Posted inEnvironment, Local, Newport Bureau
Rhode Island lawmakers propose plan to tackle climate-related coastal threats
On a recent weekday, state Representative Terri Cortvriend climbed the rock outcropping at Surfers End at Sachuest Beach in Middletown. It was raining, and she climbed slowly, her boots seeking traction. At the top, in every direction, she saw areas that are being impacted by the effects of climate change. To the southwest, she mentioned […]
