Flooding, Droughts and Planning for a Livable Future

Waterspirit co-produced a webinar series 2 years ago to honor lives lost due to storms and flooding.

Webinar 1: Environmental Justice and Stormwater Management 
Webinar 2: What Public Officials and Local Leaders Can Do To Prevent Flood Disaster
Webinar 3: Environmental Justice and Stormwater Management: Meet the Funders
Webinar 4: Environmental Justice and Stormwater Management: Success Stories + Next Steps

We believe we can do better when we work collaboratively and plan for a livable future upon a coastal state. There is ample funding available to support some preventative measures, such as green infrastructure. There is power in linking these funds with people and projects.

In case you missed it, on October 7th, 2024, Waterspirit co-sponsored:

After Hurricane Helene: How New Jersey Can Prepare for Future Threats

On Monday we shared an update about the ongoing drought in New Jersey.

As Waterspirit and our coalition partners finalize our comments regarding the Resilient Environments and Landscapes (REAL) Rule to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, we urge all readers and watershed residents to add their comments using the guide below.

Here’s how to submit your public comment: 

1.      Visit the official comment page

2.      Enter your name, note that you are NOT submitting your comment on behalf of an organization, and share your email address if you choose. 

3.      Under Rule Proposal, select “DEP Docket No. 05-24-05 New Jersey’s Protecting Against Climate Threats (NJPACT) Rules

4.      Select the “Entering text” check box 

5.      Paste the message below in the text box – share about your community specifically if you wish

6.      Click the “Submit” button

You could write something similar to:

As a devoted protector of our sacred New Jersey landscapes, I wholeheartedly endorse the NJPACT REAL Rules, recognizing their profound importance in nurturing our resilience against the pressing realities of climate crisis. Water, Earth and ecosystems are sacred; we must honor and protect them as we face the escalating threats of natural disasters, flooding and rising sea levels. We know fossil fuel companies and operators of false solutions involving fossil fuel are responsible for these phenomena; we appreciate NJ suing to hold polluters accountable.

We must act urgently to shield our communities and precious environments from the severe impacts of climate emergency. In doing so, we also preserve natural heritage, prevent costly damages and prepare for the projected 5-foot sea level rise by 2100. This guidance is rooted in the best available science, validated by experts who share our commitment to a thriving planet.

These rules will also foster the restoration of wildlife habitats, uplift local economics, enhance stormwater management, improve water quality, and cultivate sustainable communities. May every community be protected.

I call upon the NJDEP to uphold these regulations with unwavering strength, rejecting any attempts to undermine their integrity.

Check out your own community and learn how to get involved. Start by attending a town-wide or specific committee meeting!

We all know our community’s best and when we have a project to work on, it can be helpful to have community/resident volunteers and leaders involved to finish and endure long-term maintenance. Feel free to reach out if you would benefit from guidance. Visit our Calls to Action Page. Waterspirit is glad to help!