UMBC Expert: Prepare Now for Severe Climate Change

The State of Maryland should begin planning now to mitigate the potentially catastrophic impact of rapid climate change, a UMBC expert testified before a state Senate committee today.

"We're already starting to see the effects of climate change," says Rick Bissell, director, Center for Emergency Education and Disaster Research (CEEDR) at UMBC.

Bissell testified before the Education, Health and Environmental Affairs Committee of the state Senate in support of Senate Bill 766, the Snowstorm and Related Climate Change Preparation Act.

An expert on emergency preparedness and response and EMS system development, Bissell has advised the American Red Cross and the World Health Organization.

Sewnate Bill 766, sponsored by James Rosapepe (D-21st District) would create "a format by which Maryland can study hazards that are evolving as a result of climate change," Bissell says.

Climate experts say that the planet is undergoing a period of change that is producing storms that are stronger and more frequent, melting ice caps and a resulting rising sea level, and areas of severe drought that increase the risk of wildfire.

The impact of storms on the state can be dramatic. According to a new report from the state Department of Business and Economic Development the record two-plus feet of snow that buried the region in February of 2010 resulted in an economic loss of about $860 million in lost productivity.

"That's a hell of a lot of money," Bissell remarked. "We can't stop the storm, but you can mitigate the impact. Being better prepared can save a lot of money and a lot of grief."

The proposed law would require the Maryland Commission on Climate Change to undertake a study of the investments needed for the state to respond to severe weather.

The measure must be passed by the Education, Health and Environmental Affairs Committee and approved by the full Senate, then pass the state House and signed into law.