FREEPORT — The public is invited to a presentation titles “Climate Change in Our Community: Impacts and Response.” The panel discussion will a part of Freeport Conservation Trust’s Annual Meeting taking place on this evening, 7 p.m. at the Freeport Community Center. 

“We are seeing effects of climate change locally: Casco Bay is warmer, sea level is rising, and annual precipitation has increased,” said Katrina Van Dusen, Freeport Conservation Trust Executive Director in a news release. “It is critical our community understand the impacts and how to respond. This event that will bring together local experts and the public for a discussion about actions we can all take.” 

After a brief Annual Meeting, a panel of local experts will share what they know about climate impacts and there will be a discussion of things people, the community and government can do. 

Panelists include Anna Brown, the climate adaptation director of The Nature Conservancy’s North American Region; PhD candidate Kate Olson, who is researching the experience of climate change among farmers, fishermen, and foresters in Maine; Ethel Wilkerson, who has studied  the streams, forests, and intertidal flats of Maine for over 16 years; South Portland  Sustainability Program Coordinator Lucy Brennan is South Portland’s Sustainability Program Coordinator; Freeport Sustainability Advisory Board Chairman Josh Olins; Maine House Speaker Sara Gideon.