Runge speaks to AP about the impact of losing marine microorganisms to climate change

UMaine Alert

Posted: April 19, 2024 - 1:32 PM

At approximately 9:24 a.m. on Friday, April 19, a University of Maine graduate student was struck by a university vehicle on Long Road at the University of Maine campus in Orono. The student reports that they are at a local hospital with minor injuries.

Emergency services, including the Orono Fire Department, University Volunteer Ambulance Corps, University of Maine Police Department, Orono Police Department and Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene.

The university vehicle involved in the incident was a Chevrolet Express van. It was being operated by a university employee.

Counseling services and support are available for students, faculty or staff who may have been affected. The Counseling Center can be reached at 207-581-1392 and the Dean of Students Office can be reached at 207-581-1406.

The scene has been cleared and Long Road is now accessible. An investigation is being conducted by the University of Maine Police Department with assistance from the Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office Crash Reconstruction Unit. Any witnesses to the incident are encouraged to contact Lt. Noel Santiago at noel.santiago@maine.edu.

January 20, 2023 Marine Sciences, UMaine in the News

Jeff Runge, professor in the University of Maine School of Marine Sciences, spoke to the Associated Press about how the growing warmth and saltiness of the Gulf of Maine that is causing a dramatic decrease in the production of phytoplankton will impact marine ecosystems. “There’s mounting evidence that it’s linked to climate change. It’s having all kinds of effects on the system that we’re beginning to see,” Runge said. The Washington Post, WBUR, Boston.com, Napa Valley Register, Pix 11 (New York, New York), KSNT-TV (Topeka, Kansas), KTBS-TV (Shreveport, Louisiana) WJHL-TV (Johnson City, Tennessee) and other outlets shared the AP report.