Category: Environment

MAPC Issues Statement on Trump Administration Rollback of Fuel Efficiency Standards

Posted on April 2, 2020 at 11:15 am. Written by Elise Harmon

The Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) today issued a statement responding to weakened fuel efficiency standards announced by the Trump administration. “MAPC strongly opposes fuel efficiency rollbacks that will imperil people’s health, our environment, and the economy of our region, state, and country,” said MAPC Deputy Director Rebecca Davis. “Reversing course on efficiency and greenhouse […]

Videos: Voices on Climate

Posted on December 18, 2019 at 2:53 pm. Written by Elise Harmon

Voices on Climate Change “Cape Cod was named for the codfish, and now we don’t see any codfish anymore,” observes Chatham fisherman Jamie Bassett, gesturing out to the Atlantic Ocean from his boat, “Does that mean the waters are warming around here? I don’t know. I’m not a scientist, I don’t know what the optimum […]

A Vision for Green Infrastructure in the Region

Posted on September 26, 2019 at 1:38 pm. Written by Elise Harmon

Bioswale | Photo via Aaron Volkening, Flickr Stormwater runoff is one the major contributors of pollution in our waterways on any given day. When system failures occur due to excessive precipitation, our streets and homes flood and residents are sometimes exposed to untreated wastewater – and this will become more and more of a concern […]

Wicked Hot Boston: Documenting Extreme Heat in the Greater Boston Area

Posted on June 19, 2019 at 4:29 pm. Written by Sasha Shyduroff

As public schools let out this week in Greater Boston, summer fun is on people’s minds and many are planning their vacations, barbeques, and other summer activities. While the warmer weather is welcomed by many, it also signals the start of extreme heat season – which can be a public health hazard, especially for the […]

Schools of Thought on Climate Change: MAPC’s Newest Art Installation

Posted on May 22, 2019 at 3:22 pm. Written by Elise Harmon

Climate change is already visible across the Metro Boston region, forcing individuals and communities to cope with increasingly severe weather, unpredictable harvests and workplace conditions, and greater risks from vector-borne and heat-related illnesses. MAPC’s newest art installation “Schools of Thought on Climate Change: Stories from Land and Sea,” integrates storytelling with public art to show […]

MAPC’s 2019-2020 Legislative Priorities

Posted on January 29, 2019 at 12:19 pm. Written by Elise Harmon

The deadline to file bills for the 2019-2020 Massachusetts legislative session was Friday, Jan. 19. Over 5,000 bills were filed before that date – including several smart growth priorities from MAPC. Our proposals were crafted to address the transportation, climate, and housing challenges in the 101 cities and towns of our region. If enacted, these […]

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, […]