ENVIRONMENTAL BUSINESS
Climate Change Can Foster Economic Development in NJ
New goals create jobs
By Diane C . Walsh Acting Editor
New Jersey is “ ground zero ” for climate change in the United States , the director of Gov . Phil Murphy ’ s Office on Climate Change and Green Economy warned business leaders at a special conference on the subject .
In support of her assertion , Jane Cohen , a former senior policy advisor now in charge of the state ’ s response to climate change , pointed to the historic and catastrophic effects of Tropical Storm Ida last year . At least 29 people were killed last September when sea levels rose and flash flooding caused a $ 1 billion in damages throughout the state .
Sudden intense storms and inland flooding are continuing with more regularity , Cohen said . “ Climate change is real . It ’ s here . It ’ s serious around the world and particularly in New Jersey , where we are really ground zero for climate change in the United States .”
In her remarks at the conference organized by the Commerce and Industry Association of New Jersey ( CIANJ ) Cohen was joined by Shawn LaTourette , commissioner of the state Department of Environmental Protection .
The commissioner acknowledged his department ’ s critical role in mitigating climate change . In a nutshell , its goal is to reduce the pollutants causing climate change and respond to its effects .
New Jersey has a fulsome policy agenda to address these issues , Cohen said , explaining the state is committed to reducing harmful emissions by converting to renewable energy in the power sector , transportation and building . Furthermore , she said the state must adapt to resilience . Its infrastructure and buildings must be resilient to meet the challenges from climate change .
As the state works toward its goals of reduction and resiliency , Cohen said it will be guided by two key principles : environmental justice and equity and economic development . She said Gov . Murphy is committed to keeping environmental justice and community engagement at the core of his policies . But she
“ Climate change is real . It ’ s here . It ’ s serious around the world and particularly in New Jersey , where we are really ground zero for climate change in the United States .”
DEP Commissioner Shawn LaTourette
said it must become a thought leader on the issue , providing incentives for change and support them with regulatory reform .
“ Because the market alone is not sufficient to move the needle ,” LaTourette said . He stressed
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Jane Cohen , Director of the Governor ' s Office on Climate Change and Green Economy |
also stressed the economy is a priority . “ We don ’ t see this as a zero-sum game . We don ’ t see interest in climate change and protecting the environment as detriment to the economy of the state .
“ We see addressing climate change as an opportunity to have economic development in the state ,” Cohen said .
A prime example being touted by the state is the New Jersey Wind Port under construction in Salem County . It is expected to support up to $ 500 million of economic activity every year throughout the region . The wind port is a described as the nation ’ s first purpose-built offshore wind marshaling port , which will position New Jersey as a hub for the nation ’ s offshore wind industry . Construction began last year and it is expected to be completed in 2023 .
For the state to accomplish its goals in addressing climate change , the DEP commissioner
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Route 18 in New Brunswick after flooding caused by Tropial Storm Ida . |
Photo : Getty Images / iStockphoto / Sarah J Lee |
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