Mayor Walsh released the Greenovate Boston 2014 Climate Action Plan Update, celebrating the City’s progress towards reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions 25% by 2020 and becoming carbon-neutral by 2050, and preparing for the impacts of climate change. Since 2005, community-wide GHG emissions have decreased by 17%, and the City of Boston has made significant progress preparing for climate change. In Mayor Walsh’s 2017 State of the City address, he announced that Boston will be carbon-neutral by the year 2050. Read about some of our initiatives areas and see how you can get involved today.


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PREPARED CITY

Although climate change will inevitably shape our city in new ways, our response can make sure it is for the better. We can do that by using climate preparedness and resiliency measures to spur economic development, create jobs, invest in public green space, and improve our air and water quality.


treeplanting2.jpgENGAGED AND EDUCATED COMMUNITIES

In order to reach Boston’s climate action goals, every resident and business must help. Empowering residents and businesses to take climate action in their own neighborhoods, and empowering and educating youth are two priorities of the City of Boston.

The championing of climate action in partnership with our neighborhoods will enable the City to adopt smart policies and programs that prepare the City for climate change, and drive further GHG reductions over the long term.


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Energy efficiency and renewable energy initiatives are critical to meeting Boston’s GHG reduction goals. Whether it’s a single-family home, a tripledecker, or a large building downtown — every action matters. As residents and businesses continue to take advantage of incentives from our utility partners, voluntary commitments and leadership above and beyond will be what inspires others to take action and drive the greatest reductions.


EarthDay-4-22-16_063.JPGZERO WASTE

The City of Boston is committed to reducing waste by increasing recycling and reuse, and diverting organics. By keeping these valuables out of Boston’s waste stream, we can collectively save money, create local jobs, and improve the environment. The City also welcomes innovative strategies to stop waste before it starts; that can include reducing consumption, comprehensive waste education, or new technologies to replace wasteful processes.


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Trees and open space clean Boston’s air, reduce the heat island effect, absorb flood waters, and improve the overall wellness of city dwellers. Maintaining our historic park system requires the public and private collaboration, and further development of green spaces will be critical in new phases of development.


DSC_0866.JPGSUSTAINABLE MOBILITY 

Transportation accounts for nearly 30% of Boston’s greenhouse gas emissions. Boston continues to rise to the challenge of balancing our historic landscape with the need to adapt and evolve to meet our changing mobility needs and supporting transportation that serves all Bostonians.