A Community Conversation with Climate Scientist Erika Spanger "What Now?" as World Overshoots Critical 1.5°C Target

February 5, 2026

Storm Surge welcomed climate scientist Erika Spanger, Director of Strategic Climate Analytics at the Union of Concerned Scientists, for a community conversation exploring the global implications of surpassing the 1.5°C warming threshold established under the Paris Agreement. Spanger explained how rising global temperatures are driving sea level rise, intensifying extreme weather, and increasing climate risks for coastal communities like Newburyport. Drawing on her extensive research on coastal flooding and extreme heat, she helped audiences understand what this milestone means and why communities must prepare for increasing climate impacts.

The presentation also focused on pathways forward, emphasizing adaptation strategies and the importance of community dialogue in navigating climate uncertainty. Spanger encouraged residents to engage with local resilience planning while acknowledging the complexity of responding to global climate shifts.