Boston Mayor, Martin Walsh's, climate change plan is one of the most thorough in the country. The question remains: Will any of the plan be put into action?
The office of Boston Mayor Martin Walsh released a climate preparedness report on December 8, 2016. "The 400-page report outlines an array of options for 'climate-proofing' the city, including the creation of a decentralized energy grid, the construction of a barrier in Boston Harbor to protect against storm surges, [and] expanded flood insurance coverage," according to reporting from Rob Deleo in Next City.
Still, Deleo worries that the plan may be easier to construct than to realize. "Anticipatory policymaking is political kryptonite. Voters reward politicians for projects that procure immediate benefits, not long-term and potentially intrusive planning projects that take years to produce clearly observable outputs," he writes. While Deleo argues that preparation will be much less expensive than later repair, preparation can be difficult to sell to voters who can be more easily persuaded by immediate problems than looming disasters.
FULL STORY: Why Boston’s Mayor Alone Can’t Save the City From Flooding
New Study Reveals Massive, Unaccounted Flood Risk
The Federal Emergency Management Agency undercounts the humber of homes at substantial risk of flooding by some 70 percent, according to a report released this week.
Boston Unveils New Shoreline Resilience Plan
With the news of the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's report predicting dire consequences of climate change and seal level rise still fresh, the city of Boston has released a plan for how it will shore up its coastline.
Boston to Require Developers to Detail Resilience Efforts
Hurricane Sandy served as a wake up call for many cities to the dangers of rising seas and more extreme storms. To prepare for these threats, officials in Boston have proposed zoning rules that would require developers to detail mitigation measures.
Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.
North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region
At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.
Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage
Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.
Private Donations Propel Early Restoration of Palisades Playground
Los Angeles has secured over $1.3 million in private funding to restore the Pacific Palisades playground months ahead of schedule, creating a modern, accessible space that supports community healing after recent wildfires.
From Blight to Benefit: Early Results From California’s Equitable Cleanup Program
The Equitable Community Revitalization Grant (ECRG) program is reshaping brownfield redevelopment by prioritizing projects in low-income and environmental justice communities, emphasizing equity, transparency, and community benefits.
Planting Relief: Tackling Las Vegas Heat One Tree at a Time
Nevada Plants, a Las Vegas-based nonprofit, is combating the city’s extreme urban heat by giving away trees to residents in underserved neighborhoods, promoting shade, sustainability, and community health.
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