The Times, They Are A-Changin': Waterborne Transportation Resilience in a Changing Great Lakes | North Coast Chronicles

October 31, 2023

Adapting Waterways to Climate Extremes

On this episode, host Helen Brohl speaks with Katherine Chambers, Physical Research Scientist with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory. Climate scientists often summarize projected trends with the statement, “wet places will get wetter and dry places will get drier.” These changes are likely to have both positive and negative effects on water-based transportation along rivers, in lakes, and in the oceans. [⁠Toolkit.climate.gov⁠]. The Great Lakes is no exception. While climate impact factors may differ between regions, the methodologies for understanding the ability to prepare for, recover from, and adapt to the symptoms of a changing climate are consistent. Katherine Chambers walks us through the probable impacts to waterborne transportation and how the industry in cooperation with communities, can develop strategies to addressthem.

Show Transcription
This transcription was generated by a computer. Please excuse any errors.
Helen Brohl

Helen Brohl is a Great Lakes gal, having grown up on the south shore of Lake Erie and a lifetime of summers on Middle Bass Island. Helen understands the Great Lakes as a valuable resource with a Master's Degree from The Ohio State University in Great Lakes Land and Water Use Policy and as an economic engine for the nation with almost 40 years of experience in maritime transportation and trade development. Helen previously worked as professional staff on the U.S. Congressional House Merchant Marine and Fisheries Committee, with NOAA's Office of Coast Management, did trade development for the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation, was the Director of Marketing for the Port of Chicago, the Executive Director of the U.S. Great Lakes Shipping Association, and retired in January 2023 after almost 17 years as the Executive Director of the U.S. Committee on the Marine Transportation System in Washington, DC. Follow along as Helen shares the nature, folk lore, and charm of the Great Lakes!