Media share Cucuzza’s research on climate change, coastal communities

The Boothbay Register and Penobscot Bay Pilot ran a University of Maine Darling Marine Center media release about climate change and the state’s coastal communities. Marina Cucuzza, a graduate student pursuing a dual degree in marine biology and marine policy, explores the role that municipal comprehensive plans have in preparing communities for environmental change. “Planning for change is critical to ensuring resilient coastal communities, now and in the future,” said Cucuzza. Her paper in the Journal of Environmental Planning and Management stated, “Climate change is, and will continue to, impact every aspect of municipalities including infrastructure, but also public health, housing and biodiversity. Building resilience requires significant structural shifts to address the root causes of challenges in the community, as well as a paradigm shift in planning to move towards a more proactive approach and a holistic consideration of resilience.”