These past few weeks have been an incredible learning experience! I can’t believe how fast it has gone. I’m currently in full swing writing my white paper on how critical infrastructure in California will be impacted by sea-level rise. This has been so informative in my thinking of how communities will be impacted. Normally, I feel that the conversation revolves around homeowners, but researching critical infrastructure has shown me that it is so much more than that. Roads, wastewater treatment plants, ports, parks, and our water supply are all threatened. These are vital to communities and I’m glad I’ve gotten the opportunity to be a part of scoping and researching a Critical Infrastructure Resiliency Plan that the Ocean Protection Council will lead. 

In addition to researching and writing, I attended the (virtual) Ocean Protection Council meeting. This was their first virtual council meeting and in my opinion, it went relativity smoothly. Staff members presented to the Council for approval of projects and approval of funding, which gave me a great sense of what current work is happening and who the Council members are. Public comment proved to be a very interesting part of the meeting. Because it was virtual, more people could join to speak but it often led to comments which were completely unrelated to the topics staff were discussing. Overall it was a great experience to be a part of and I’m glad my internship coincided with a Council meeting. 

Overall it’s been a great experience so far and I’m looking forward to spending these last few weeks finishing up my white paper! Side note: on my daily walks I’ve been lucky to see otters almost daily and I feel lucky to be in Monterey for the summer. The picture below is from one of my walks!