When
Friday January 31, 2014 at 1:30 PM EST-to-
Saturday February 1, 2014 at 3:30 PM EST
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Contact
Erica PennEnvironmental Law and Policy Review
empenn@email.wm.edu
The Role of Law and Government in Protecting Communities from Extreme Weather and Coastal Flood Risks: Local, Regional, and International Perspectives
As the climate changes, extreme weather events, storm surges, water shortages, and coastal flooding caused by sea level rise are likely to create widespread damage and disrupt normal social, ecological, and economic relationships. As such, interdisciplinary collaboration is critical in order to improve how law and government manage these emerging risks. In addition, coastal regions from across the globe must address these problems, creating both challenges for international law and security, as well as opportunities for cross-cultural learning and problem solving. The purpose of this symposium, sponsored by the William & Mary Environmental Law and Policy Review in collaboration with the Virginia Coastal Policy Clinic, is to begin building a bridge between academic disciplines and coastal communities representing several geographic scales.
On the first day, participants will hear from a keynote speaker about the international and national risks surrounding extreme weather and coastal flooding and why managing these risks is necessary for international security. The second day will focus more specifically on the issues surrounding climate risk management, including examining how to prioritize infrastructure protection. At the conclusion of the symposium, participants should expect to be more informed about the legal, scientific and policy issues associated with protecting communities from extreme weather and coastal flood risks, setting the stage for increased collaboration and more informed policymaking in the future on the regional, national and international levels.
Day 1: Friday, January 31, 2014
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1:30 - 1:45 |
Welcome /Introduction of Keynote |
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1:45- 2:45 |
Keynote Speakers “Managing Climate Risks in the Global Context: Why Adaptation Matters for National Security” Rear Admiral Jonathan White, Oceanographer of the Navy “Planning for Climate Change: A View from India” Rob Verchick, former Deputy Associate Admin for the Office of Policy and head of the Interagency Climate Change Adaptation Task Force. Author of Facing Catastrophe |
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2:45-3:00 |
Break |
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3:00-4:30 |
“Climate Change, Resource and Infrastructure Use: Emerging Regional and International Law Issues” Rudiger Tscherning, Director for The Center for Energy, Environmental and Sustainability Law and Policy, Qatar University College of Law Francis Botchway, Associate Dean for Research, Qatar University College of Law Muna Mustafa H A Al-Marzouqi, SJD student at Tulane University Law School, Lecturer at Qatar University College of Law |
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4:30-5:30 |
Reception Co-sponsored by the Student Environmental Action Law Society (SEALS) and the International Law Society (ILS) |
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Day 2: Saturday, February 1, 2014 |
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8:00 - 9:00 |
Registration and Breakfast |
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9:00 –9:10 |
Welcome and Overview of Schedule |
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9:30 -10:00 |
Morning Speaker Session Speaker 1: “The Climate Change Challenge: An Update from Washington” Christina DeConcini, World Resources Institute. |
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10:00 -11:15 |
Panel 1: Federal Agency Vulnerability to Climate Change Risks: What is at stake for the Hampton Roads Region? The purpose of this panel is to generate a discussion that identifies how federal agencies operating in or managing land in the Hampton Roads Region are assessing and preparing for climate change risks. Speakers: Josh Bundick, Lead, Environmental Planning for NASA/Wallops Kevin Holcomb, Senior Wildlife Biologist, USFWS/Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge Joe Bouchard, former head of Norfolk Naval Station and board member of the Hampton Roads Military and Federal Facilities Alliance. David Young, NASA-Langley Moderator: Shana Jones, Virginia Coastal Policy Clinic |
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11:15 -11:30 |
Break |
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11:30–12:45 |
Panel 2: From Power Lines to Ports: Protecting Critical Infrastructure The purpose of this panel is to generate a discussion that identifies the major infrastructure vulnerabilities facing coastal communities. Speakers: Emergency Management: Mark Slauter, Virginia Department of Emergency Management Maritime: David White, Vice PresidentVirginia Maritime Association Utilities: Speaker Pollard, Christian & Barton, LLP Port: Heather Wood, Virginia Port Authority Transportation: Trip Pollard, SELC Moderator: Mary-Carson Saunders Stiff, Virginia Coastal Policy Clinic |
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12:45–1:45 |
Lunch – Carl Hershner, VIMS – GIS demonstration |
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1:45-2:00 |
Break |
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2:00–3:15 |
Panel 3: Perspectives from Law and Policy The purpose of this panel is to discuss the legal and policy issue local governments will face as they respond to sea level rise. Speakers: Professor Peter Byrne, Georgetown Law Center -- Coastal Communities Coping with Koontz: Using Exactions to Adapt to Sea-Level Rise and Storm Surges Professor John Echeverria, Vermont Law School -- Eminent Domain and Coastal Retreat in the Era of Sea Level Rise Professor John Nolon, Pace Law School – Sea Level Rise and Coastal Development: Seeking Solutions Above Regulation Moderator: Ronald Rosenberg, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, W&M Law School |
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3:15-3:30 |
Wrap-Up |
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