Climate Change Working Group Current Initiatives
Wildlife Corridors/Biodiversity
As the climate warms, plant and animal (wildlife) habitats are shifting north. At the same time, the human footprint is expanding, reducing and fragmenting these natural habitats and limiting the ability of wildlife to track them as they shift. Humans depend on the natural world for many things, including food, clothing, shelter, medicines, recreation and psychological health and well-being.
CCWG is actively educating the public and advocating with the Frederick County government for a green infrastructure plan that sets aside wildlife corridors to connect fragmented habitats and allow plants and animals to track their native environments as they shift.
Power
Frederick County has become a magnet for the growth of data centers prompting new power line proposals that include taking land by eminent domain.
CCWG is working with partner organizations to ensure that the growth of the data center industry in the County coincides with the comprehensive plan for growth and the completion of the studies necessary to determine the energy and water needs for this industry. Frederick County will likely not have the needed resources to accommodate the volume of data centers found in Loudoun County and, at present, will not benefit from the level of taxation assessed against the Virginia centers.
Energy
An immense amount of research is being conducted to find clean energy sources to replace fossil fuels. We are constantly investigating the advances in nuclear, hydrogen, solar, wind and other potential solutions that will allow us to reduce greenhouse gases to mitigate the advance of climate warming.
Watch our webinar Solar Power Options for Consumers on YouTube.
Transportation
Electric vehicles are becoming more common, but a host of issues need to be addressed: electricity sources, materials needed for the batteries and their sources, and the ability to recycle the batteries. CCWG is investigating these issues and also alternative clean energy sources for the vehicles.
Further, CCWG advocates for public transportation that reduces dependence on cars.
Water Resources
Frederick County is the fastest growing county in Maryland. At the same time, our region experienced the longest dry streak on record— over 35 days without rain. The CCWG is partnering with the University of MD to apply for grant funding to measure our water resources. How much water will be available as the population increases and droughts lengthen? Will we be able to stem storm runoff and protect our water resources as intense flooding may occur when it does rain?
Watch our webinar Stresses on Water Resources in Frederick County on YouTube.