Category: Environment

Are You Proud of Your Bylaws and Policies?

Posted on November 29, 2018 at 10:17 am. Written by Elise Harmon

We Want to Hear From You! The Metropolitan Area Planning Council is developing a resource for municipalities looking to adapt policies and bylaws in response to climate change – and we’re looking for best practices and examples. Climate change will bring extreme rainfall, stronger heat waves, more frequent droughts, and coastal flooding. Have you adopted […]

MAPC Launches Accelerating Climate Resiliency Grants

Posted on November 2, 2018 at 3:25 pm. Written by Elise Harmon

If you had the chance to do one small project to prepare your city or town for climate change, what would you do? Last week, MAPC announced the launch of our Accelerating Climate Resiliency Mini Grant Program. Generously funded by the Barr Foundation, the $15,000 to $50,000 grants will advance strategies protecting people, places, and […]

Help Newton Tackle Climate Change

Posted on October 5, 2018 at 10:44 am. Written by Elise Harmon

On-line questionnaire and roundtable discussion to gather local feedback For Immediate Release: Friday, October 5, 2018 NEWTON – Are you interested in helping Newton address climate change? Join staff from the City and the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) at an upcoming roundtable discussion on October 23, 2018, designed to gather citizen feedback and begin […]

Get Ready for Climate Preparedness Week

Posted on September 18, 2018 at 4:31 pm. Written by Sasha Shyduroff

Last year, the 2017 hurricane season was one of the most intense on record, with three Category 4 storms making landfall in the U.S. Last week, Hurricane Florence hit the Carolinas hard. The impacts of these storms can be devastating, including property damage, injury, and even death. September also happens to be National Preparedness Month, […]

MAPC issues statement on proposal to weaken vehicle emissions, fuel efficiency standards

Posted on August 10, 2018 at 1:26 pm. Written by Elise Harmon

The Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) today issued a statement in reaction to the proposed rule from the Trump Administration that would imperil the current greenhouse gas emission standards for model year 2021-2026 vehicles, and put in place weakened emission and fuel efficiency standards at the expense of our health, our environment, and our economy.

Energy and Environmental Bills Moving in the Legislature

Posted on July 16, 2018 at 12:00 pm. Written by Elise Harmon

In 15 days, on July 31, the formal session for the Massachusetts Legislature will end – meaning that the House and Senate have two short weeks to approve the FY2019 State Budget and pass important legislation. The Legislature continues to work on completing the FY2019 State Budget and is contemplating several pieces of legislation that […]

Help Build a Sculptural Garden Along Northern Strand Community Trail

Posted on March 16, 2018 at 9:17 am. Written by Elise Harmon

Written by Carolyn Lewenberg at MAPC with additional comments provided by Emily Nink, Kathleen O’Brien, and Jenn Erickson Community gardeners and other members of the public excited about growing food are invited to help build a sculptural garden area along the Northern Strand Community Trail! The Metropolitan Area Planning Council’s arts and culture, environment, and […]

Hull’s Draft Hazard Mitigation Plan to Be Presented at February 8 Public Meeting

Posted on January 26, 2018 at 2:44 pm. Written by Elise Harmon

Meeting to present the 2018 update of Hull’s Hazard Mitigation Plan and solicit public comments Who: Hull residents, business owners, representatives of non-profit organizations and institutions, and others who are interested in preventing and reducing damage from natural hazards. What: The Hull Hazard Mitigation Team will hold a public meeting to present an overview of […]

What Climate Change Could Mean for Your Town’s Trees

Posted on March 10, 2017 at 11:22 am. Written by Elise Harmon

Climate change is threatening many communities of Greater Boston and will only worsen over the course of the rest of the century if we don’t quickly accelerate our mitigation efforts. According to Climate Ready Boston, average temperatures, extreme precipitation events, and sea level rise will continue to increase over time. Climate change models make it […]

Putting Legacy First: Planning for the Boston 2024 Olympics

Posted on June 9, 2015 at 10:55 am. Written by Amanda Linehan

Quick links: Executive Summary, Full Report Boston’s Olympic bid has the potential to shape the region for years to come. Our new report, issued jointly with the Massachusetts Smart Growth Alliance and Transportation for Massachusetts, urges Olympic planners to put legacy first. While the Olympic Games will only last a few weeks, the bid offers […]