The Human Dimensions of Offshore Wind

Offshore wind energy could help mitigate climate change at a large scale, but relatively little is known about how ocean wind farms will affect the Gulf of Maine and the many people who rely on it. Dr. Jessica Reilly-Moman will present the findings of her research on the “fit” of offshore wind with Maine’s coastal communities. She will share background knowledge about offshore wind turbines and projects in Maine and around the world, then discuss the values, perspectives, and critical unanswered questions shared by many of Maine’s residents. After talking about key takeaways, she will discuss the potential pathways forward for better engagement around offshore wind and how communities can potentially use this opportunity to address foundational needs.

About the Presenter

Dr. Jessica Reilly-Moman is a social scientist, political ecologist and writer working to accelerate equitable climate action for coastal and ocean communities. For the past twenty-five years, Jess has worked throughout the Americas, Europe, and Africa to balance development with natural resource conservation and human well-being. For her PhD, she sailed her 39-foot sloop Oleada over 6,000 nautical miles to report on how people were adapting to climate change in Latin America. She focuses on climate justice and elevating practitioner knowledge, from nature-based solutions to offshore wind. Jess has worked closely with the Maine Climate Council since its inception, and in 2024 facilitated and co-authored the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee 2024 Update. She is the Director of the Center for Climate and Community at Island Institute, where she builds on her experience in both climate mitigation and adaptation to lead teams to support clean energy transitions and climate resilience actions for Maine’s coastal and island communities. She lives on the Pemaquid peninsula with her husband, daughter, two horses and two dogs, and can often be found paddleboarding Muscongus Sound or testing the patience of her horses with dressage and mounted shooting.