Somerset County 4-H to Host Forum on New Jersey’s Changing Climate

Somerset County 4-H will host a public educational forum titled “New Jersey’s Changing Climate” on June 2, bringing together environmental experts, policymakers, and youth leaders to discuss climate challenges facing the Garden State. The event, scheduled from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Ted Blum 4-H Center in Bridgewater, aims to provide residents with science-based information about local climate impacts and potential solutions, according to Patch.com.

The forum represents a new approach to climate education for Somerset County 4-H, expanding its traditional youth development mission to address pressing environmental issues affecting the community. Organizers have designed the program to be accessible to attendees of all ages, with a particular focus on connecting younger and older generations in discussion about climate resilience strategies.

Expert Speakers and Program Details

The event will feature presentations from several distinguished experts on climate science and policy. Dr. Jennifer Martinez, climate scientist from Rutgers University’s Department of Environmental Sciences, will deliver the keynote address focusing on New Jersey-specific climate trends and projections.

“New Jersey is experiencing climate change impacts at a rate faster than the global average,” explained Martinez. “Our state has seen a temperature increase of approximately 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit since 1895, which is nearly twice the global average. This forum provides an important opportunity to help residents understand what these changes mean for their communities.”

Additional speakers include Michael Williams, Director of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s Office of Climate Action, who will discuss state-level climate initiatives and adaptation strategies. Representatives from the Sustainable Jersey program will also present information about municipal-level climate action plans and resources available to local communities.

According to Rutgers University, the forum will include interactive elements designed to engage attendees in climate solution discussions, including small group breakout sessions and a youth-led panel discussion featuring members of the Somerset County 4-H Green Team.

Youth Leadership Component

A distinctive feature of the event is the significant role played by Somerset County 4-H members in both planning and executing the forum. The 4-H Green Team, comprised of high school students from across the county, has worked alongside adult mentors to develop program content and will facilitate several portions of the event.

“Our 4-H members have shown tremendous leadership in addressing environmental issues,” said Sarah Thompson, Somerset County 4-H Agent. “They recognize that climate change will significantly impact their futures and are eager to be part of creating solutions rather than just learning about problems.”

Green Team members have conducted research on local climate impacts and interviewed community members about their environmental concerns. These findings have shaped the forum’s focus areas, ensuring the content addresses issues most relevant to Somerset County residents.

Seventeen-year-old Green Team leader Emma Chen emphasized the importance of intergenerational dialogue in addressing climate challenges. “We wanted to create an event where people of all ages could learn together and share perspectives,” Chen said. “Climate solutions require collaboration across generations, and 4-H gives us a unique platform to facilitate those connections.”

Local Focus on Climate Impacts

The forum will highlight climate impacts specific to Somerset County and surrounding regions, including increased flooding along the Raritan River watershed, more frequent extreme heat events, and changing precipitation patterns affecting local agriculture.

“Many residents have observed changes in weather patterns but may not connect these observations to broader climate trends,” noted Robert Wilson, Somerset County Environmental Specialist. “This forum will help make those connections while providing practical information about local resources and adaptation strategies.”

Presentations will address several climate-related challenges facing Central New Jersey communities, including stormwater management, extreme heat response, and agricultural resilience. Resource materials from organizations such as the New Jersey Climate Change Resource Center will be available to attendees, as reported by MyCentralJersey.com.

Registration and Community Response

The event is free and open to the public, though advance registration is required due to limited seating capacity at the 4-H Center. Organizers report strong initial response, with over 100 registrations received within the first week of the event’s announcement.

“We’ve been pleasantly surprised by the community’s interest,” Thompson said. “People clearly want reliable information about how climate change affects their local area and what they can do about it. We’re particularly encouraged by the number of families registering to attend together.”

Registration remains open through May 27 and can be completed through the Somerset County 4-H website or by calling the county Extension office. The program will also be livestreamed for those unable to attend in person, with recording available afterward for educational purposes.

Future Climate Education Initiatives

Somerset County 4-H views the June forum as the beginning of an expanded climate education initiative that will continue throughout the year. Plans include a youth climate ambassador program, community garden project focusing on climate-resilient agriculture, and a series of hands-on workshops for families.

“This forum launches a broader effort to integrate climate education across our 4-H programming,” explained Thompson. “We’re developing age-appropriate activities that help young people understand climate science while empowering them to take positive action in their communities.”

The initiative aligns with a national trend within 4-H to address environmental sustainability and climate resilience. The organization’s traditional focus on science education and community service provides a natural foundation for engaging youth in climate solutions.

“4-H has always evolved to address the needs and challenges of each generation,” Thompson concluded. “For today’s young people, climate change represents one of the defining issues of their time. Our role is to provide them with the knowledge, skills, and support to address this challenge with informed optimism.”