By JF Grodeska
HIGHLANDS – On the national political stage, the debate still rages as to whether or not the rapidly changing climate is a product of human activities, a natural cycle of the Earth or a manufactured crisis to control the masses.
The data for the human contribution to climate change is compelling. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) 2021 Annual Climate Report, the trend globally shows average temperatures are warming. Since the late 1800s the rate of the combined land and ocean temperature increase has averaged 0.14 degrees Fahrenheit every decade, “however, the average rate of increase since 1981 has been more than twice as fast: 0.32 degrees Fahrenheit per decade.”
The amount of future warming that Earth will experience depends on how much carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases humans emit in the coming decades. Today, activities like burning fossil fuels and clearing forests add about 11 billion metric tons of carbon (equivalent to a little over 40 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide) to the atmosphere each year.
Those living on the coast of New Jersey, whether near the Atlantic Ocean or other bodies of water, like Sandy Hook Bay, are probably aware that the coastal climate has changed. The average number of flood days (with or without the catalyst of a major storm system) has increased and, according to a Rutgers study, places like Atlantic City, averaging approximately 18 flood events in 2018, will experience an average of 75 days per year of expected high-tide flooding per year by 2030.
In 2019 the state of New Jersey adopted an Energy Master Plan as a way to address climate change and guide the reduction of greenhouse gases statewide. Once established, the state encouraged municipalities to create their own version of that plan, selecting from a list of initiatives the ones that are most relevant to each municipality. Following the state’s lead to help combat these climate predictions, Highlands has introduced an energy plan designed to lessen the borough’s carbon footprint and overall climate impact.
The borough hired Colliers Engineering and Design to help develop the plan.
“The borough convened a group of nine community members and borough representatives to meet with me and talk about what this was, and to go through, with a fine-tooth comb, the initiatives that the state has established and to talk about them and decide what was realistic for this borough,” explained Kristin Russell, a professional planner from Colliers. During a recent council meeting Russell outlined the initiatives that the committee agreed the borough should pursue.
The first initiative is adopting supportive zoning and regulations for electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure. This type of project would be a collaborative effort with borough code enforcement, the legal department, and planning to address growing EV ownership.
First responders, such as police, firefighters and EMTs would also be trained on EVs and electric service equipment, like charging units and charging stations. Bahrs Landing restaurant has already installed two public EV AC or slow charging stations; a fast, DC charging station installed by the borough is now located at 171 Bay Ave.
Another initiative that was selected relates to amending the borough’s zoning code. Currently, Highlands does not regulate solar energy systems. This initiative will also require training for first responders. Should there be a fire at a home or establishment with a solar energy system, first responders need to know where shutoffs are and how they are operated.
Additionally, the borough is working on creating more energy-efficient municipal facilities and planning to start using green cleaning products and janitorial services.
While these may, on the surface, seem like small steps, spread across the borough these initiatives will be impactful. Preliminary analysis shows lower operation costs for municipal facilities and lower energy and fuel costs for residents. According to the Union of Concerned Scientists report in 2019, analysis shows EV owners can save up to $1,200 a year compared with operating an average new compact gasoline vehicle.
Highlands is fast becoming an example of the environmental responsibility and innovation other communities, especially coastal communities, can emulate.
The article originally appeared in the July 6 – 12, 2023 print edition of The Two River Times.
This article has been corrected and updated July 11, 2023.
