Maine’s state motto – Dirigo (“I lead”) – is a fitting one, especially when it comes to combatting climate change. The Pine Tree state has spearheaded a comprehensive approach to mitigating climate change – from establishing the Maine Climate Council to implementing a statewide action plan. Despite facing a range of climate hazards from sea-level rise to warming sub-Arctic waters, the state has adopted bold action on climate that can serve as an example for other states. The American Security Project, the Natural Resources Council of Maine, and the University of Maine’s School of Policy and International Affairs held an in-person public panel discussion on the climate actions underway and explore the key role Maine plays in enhancing climate and national security.
Participants included:
- CAPT James Settele, USN (Ret.), Executive Director of the Graduate School of Policy & International Affairs at the University of Maine
- RDML Jamie Barnett, USN (Ret), ASP Consensus for American Security
- Hannah Pingree, Director of Governor Mills’ Office of Policy Innovation and the Future
- Jessica Olcott Yllemo, Senior Fellow for Climate Security, American Security Project.
Moderated by:
Anya Fetcher, Federal Policy Advocate, Natural Resources Council of Maine