Seats still available for Climate Change forum in Toms River

Skeptics of climate change and possible causes will get to debate expert testimony from researchers on the topic and the impact to the Jersey Shore during a free, two-day forum being held this Friday and Saturday in Toms River.

Homes in Toms River damaged by Sandy (Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

The forum has been convened by the Institute on Science for Global Policy (ISGP), a neutral organization, that has selected Toms River among five places in the United States to be part of a study on climate change and sea level rise, according to Toms River Mayor Thomas F. Kelaher.

Toms River is co-sponsoring the event “The Shore’s Future: Living With Storms & Sea Level Rise” along with the Barnegat Bay Partnership and the Barnegat Bay Foundation.

Read More: How can the Jersey Shore live with massive storms, rising sea leavel? | http://wobm.com/jersey-shore-concerns-to-be-debated/?trackback=tsmclip

Three experts will present their ideas on adapting to climate change on the Jersey Coast in the wake of Super storm Sandy, sea level rise and future storm risk. The presentation will be followed up with a debate.

"We have 35 of our residents, people who signed up to be debaters who will challenge these three presenters, and then the balance of the audience will be just an audience able to sit and watch, submit some questions on index cards," said Kelaher.

Kelaher was part of a global warming expedition team that traveled to Norway to investigate first-hand how flooding is impacting the food source for reindeer and other environmental changes. Evidence has convinced him something is happening with climate change.

"From what I've seen you just can't deny the obvious that you see before your eyes, that there is climate change," Kelaher said.

Kelaher shared he was concerned that Toms River would not be able to rebuild after seeing the destruction Sandy caused on the barrier island and pointed out even before Sandy streets were being flooded. He also noted how years ago ice boat races were held on the Toms River, which rarely freezes now.

Those interested in attending the forum, must attend both days.

On Nov. 20, participants meet at the Toms River Municipal Building. On Nov. 21, the conference will convene at the Ocean County College Gateway Building Lecture Hall.

For more information and to register click here or call 520-343-8181.