About This New Blog – by John Englander
As I launch this new blog, I should give you an idea of my perspective — my education, experience, and driving passion. I never really planned to have a double major in Geology and Economics, it just happened — a long time ago at Dickinson College. I thought I might be an English major. The reason for each of those majors is a funny story, but that's for some other time.
Regardless, I am very fortunate that it happened. Looking at climate and ocean impacts through those two lenses — geology and economics — has given me a real advantage. Geoscience puts the earth, forces of change and the timeline into perspective. Economics puts fundamental resources such as land, food supply, clean water into perspective as it applies to people, and at the macro level, to the larger economy.
Combining these two viewpoints is very useful.
Each enables you to see a very different “big picture.” Together, they offer tremendous insight and clarity.
My fascination with the ocean started as a teenager, snorkeling, and then scuba diving. My passion for the marine environment guided me to become a leader on many ocean issues for several decades. I have been CEO of several conservation organizations including Ocean Futures, The Cousteau Society, and The International SeaKeepers Society. If you want to know anymore about my background, you will find it at the Bio tab.
During the last few years I have been consumed by researching and understanding the impacts of climate change on the oceans.
There are 3 major categories: TEMPERATURE INCREASE, SEA LEVEL RISE, And ACIDIFICATION. Each has surprising nuances and ramifications. My aim is to explain them without science jargon, from a perspective of how they may affect you and your world. In particular, I find that sea level rise is a great window through which to see the impact of climate change.
It is such an important issue that I am writing a book on just that subject, which should be finished in a few months: “High Tide on Main Street: Understanding Sea Level Rise and the Impacts on Coastal Properties.” I have decided to start this blog and website, to share some of the information I have gathered, prior to publication. Most of it will be freely shared on this blog, or via the email option. I'll be doing some reports or white papers, many of which will also be free. The first chapter of the book will be available as a free download. I hope you enjoy this blog; it will develop over the next few months.
Please give me feedback and consider sharing it with others. Thanks.