TOMS RIVER — Mayor Thomas F. Kelaher plans to help lead an expedition of 15 area residents and professionals to the Arctic next year to have a first-hand look at the early effects of climate change, the Asbury Park Press reported.

A documentary film crew for the PBS series NOVA is expected to chronicle the trip to the far reaches of northern Norway, which will include other representatives from different geographic regions throughout the United States, the newspaper reported. Each of these regions face a unique dilemma related if predictions about climate change are born out, the newspaper reported.

Kelaher, 82, was tapped because of the catastrophic impact Superstorm Sandy had on coastal neighborhoods in his town, the newspaper reported. However, Kelaher, a conservative Republican, remains skeptical of the assertion that climate change is the result of modern human civilization, according to the newspaper.

Justin Zaremba may be reached at jzaremba@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JustinZarembaNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

