Despite the reduction of greenhouse gases by Boston and many other cities across the world, the global climate will continue to change for many years because of human’s contribution of pollution to the Earth’s atmosphere.

We are already noticing the effects of climate change here in Boston. We must adapt to the changes that have already occurred, and begin preparing for those to come. The 2014 City of Boston Climate Action Plan Update builds upon themes found in the 2011 Plan that integrates climate preparedness into all planning, program development, and project reviews undertaken by the City. It also advances implementation through increased community and intergovernmental engagement. As it has for many years, the City will strive to lead by example in preparing its own facilities and systems.

The City continues to monitor measures of risk, including sea-level averages, average annual temperature, number of days over 90 degrees Fahrenheit, and precipitation patterns. The City is also working with local experts and other cities to understand and develop better indicators of urban and community preparedness that can be used to establish more concrete goals.

OUR PROGRAMS

Climate Ready Boston

Climate Ready Boston is an initiative to develop resilient solutions to prepare our City for climate change. The latest report was released in December 2016, and outlines recommendations to ensure Boston will be climate-ready.

Ready Boston

Ready Boston is a city-wide community emergency preparedness initiative meant to educate and empower Bostonians about the hazards they may face, and encourages residents to prepare for all types of hazards.

Boston Public Health Commission Community Preparedness

Emergencies don’t wait for you to prepare before they strike. They can happen at any time, anywhere. From hurricanes and blizzards to house fires and flooding, you need to be prepared and ready to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your community.

Imagine Boston 2030

As Boston’s first citywide plan in 50 years, Imagine Boston 2030 will guide positive physical change while promoting shared prosperity, coordinated public investments, and a healthy environment and population.

Waterfront Planning

The Downtown Waterfront Planning Initiative is led by the Boston Planning and Development Agency. It is the next step in the implementation of the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway District Use and Development Guidelines, which were adopted by the Agency in 2010 to preserve and activate the Greenway’s open space resources and enhance connections between the Downtown’s neighborhood districts and waterfront.