I don’t normally watch YouTube videos that are longer than 10 minutes (unless it is for work) but tuning into Boothbay Region Land Trust’s 2021 annual membership meeting last week kept me glued to the screen for just over an hour.

BRLT Executive Director Nick Ullo gave a great report on the state of the land trust – “BRLT is in sound financial condition” – with memberships, giving and preserve usage up in “this strange year,” said Ullo.

Outgoing BRLT president Hal Moorfield and incoming president John Welch also gave insightful reports and board elections were held via Zoom.

But the most interesting and informative part, for me, was the presentation on climate change by Dr. Heather Goldstone of Woodwell Climate Research Center in Falmouth, Massachusetts.

Goldstone oversees the Center’s communications activities, bringing the rich stories of Woodwell scientists to diverse public audiences.

The topic of her talk, while using multiple graphics and data, was “Three Things You Should Know about Climate Change (but might not).” I had learned a lot more about climate change after listening to her presentation.

As the YouTube notice stated, Goldstone’s talk “explores everything from causes and amplifiers of climate change to solutions and policy.”

According to her brief biography on the Woodwell Center’s website, “Dr. Goldstone fell in love with the ocean as a child, and pursued a career in marine research before discovering a passion for science communication. She serves on the Woods Hole Sea Grant Marine Outreach Guidance Group, is deeply involved in supporting local public schools, and frequently teaches or mentors students in communication skills.”

She began by thanking BRLT for having her as a guest speaker and said she and her family had visited the Boothbay region several times in the past.

I urge everyone to visit the website to view her informative talk to learn more about climate change: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VryovqngGcw

For more information on Woodwell Climate Research Center, visit www.woodwellclimate.org/about/