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Climate Protection Initiatives
- Climate Protection in Cambridge
- Why Take Local Action on Climate Change
- Climate Protection Plan and Climate Action Protection Committee
- Climate Initiatives
- Cambridge Energy Alliance
- Green Buildings
- For More Information
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to more information about City of Cambridge Climate Initiatives
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to more information about Community Climate Initiatives
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to more information about LEED Recognized Green Buildings
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to information about Renewable Energy Systems In Cambridge
Climate Protection in Cambridge
In 1999, the City Council passed a resolution to join the Cities for Climate Protection (CCP), a campaign of ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability. The resolution committed the City to prepare a greenhouse gas emissions inventory, set a target to reduce emissions, develop and implement a plan, and monitor the results. Cambridge is one of over 600 local governments around the world -- 147 in the United States and 20 in Massachusetts -- that have joined the CCP effort.
Information about Cambridge's
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Why Take Local Action on Climate Change
Scientific Consensus Grows Stronger
Scientific consensus is strong that human activities, primarily the burning of fossil fuels, explain observed increases in average global temperatures.
- International Panel on Climate Change, Third Assessment Report, 2001
- National Academy of Sciences, Climate Change Science: An Analysis of Some Key Questions, 2001
- U.S. Climate Change Science Program, Our Changing Climate: The U.S. Climate Change Science Program for Fiscal Years 2004 and 2005, 2004
- Arctic Climate Impact Assessment
- Joint Science Academies' Statement: Global Response to Climate ChangeThis file is in PDF format and requires use of the free Adobe Acrobat viewer.(393 KB)
Climate Change Impacts Will Be Felt Locally
Climate change threatens to cause abrupt changes in what have been relatively stable climatic conditions. The federally commissioned New England Regional Assessment projects that average temperatures by the year 2090 will increase by 6 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit if greenhouse gas emissions continue unabated. A 6 degree change would make Boston’s climate more like that of Richmond, Virginia and a 10 degree change more like Atlanta, Georgia. Impacts could include more frequent extreme weather events such as flooding, heavy rainfall, and heat waves; increased smog formation; and more favorable conditions for disease carrying organisms, such as mosquitoes. These impacts will have to be addressed by communities in terms of adapting public infrastructure and responding to public health threats and property damage.
- New England Regional Assessment, 2001
- Climate Change and the Financial Services Industry, UNEP FI Climate Change Working Group, 2002
- CLIMB Project Annual Report (Climate 's Long-term Impacts on Metro Boston)
- Union of Concerned Scientists - Climate change impacts in the Northeast
Reducing Greenhouse Gas Produces Other Benefits
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions by cutting fossil fuel use also reduces conventional air pollution, saves money through energy efficiency improvements, improves energy security by diversifying our energy supply, and improves livability of the community.
Climate Protection Plan and Climate Action Protection Committee
In December 2002, the City Council adopted the Climate Protection Plan. The plan, which was developed by the City Manager-appointed Climate Protection Task Force and City staff, sets a goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 20 percent below 1990 levels by 2010. The City Manager appoints a standing advisory committee, the Climate Action Protection Committee, to assist in the implementation of the plan.
Go
to more information about the Cambridge Climate Protection Plan and the Climate Action Protection
Committee.
Climate Protection Initiatives
Go
to more information about Municipal Initiatives
- Alternative Fuels and Vehicles
- Energy Management
- Green Buildings
- Transportation Demand Management
- Urban Forestry
- Waste Management
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to more information about Community Initiatives
- Residents
- Businesses and Organizations
- University Sustainability Activities
- Climate Protection Case Studies
- Green Buildings
- Renewable Energy in Cambridge
Cambridge Energy Alliance
On March 29, 2007 the City of Cambridge and the Henry P. Kendall Foundation launched a major new energy initiative to implement unprecedented efficiency improvements in energy, water, and transportation. A new, non-profit organization is being created called the Cambridge Energy Alliance, which offer services and financing to upgrade buildings of all types throughout the city. Where appropriate, renewable energy systems and combined heat and power systems will also be installed. To register your interest in the Cambridge Energy Alliance, see the initiative's web site at http://www.cambridgeenergyalliance.org.
Green Buildings
The City encourages development of green buildings as a strategy to achieve Cambridge’s goal to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions that cause global warming. Buildings that meet the LEED Standards for green buildings include the City Hall Annex, home to the Community Development Department.
The Cambridge Planning Board encourages developers to use the LEED rating system under the Project Review guidelines of the Zoning Ordinance. Special Permit applications are expected to include a preliminary LEED checklist and narrative.
For
more information go to the Green Buildings home page.
For More Information
Environmental Planning Resources, including information about Climate Protection, are available through the Division's Resources List.
For more information about climate protection activities in Cambridge please contact John Bolduc, Environmental Planner, jbolduc@cambridgema.gov, at 617/349-4628. The Community Development Department TTY line is 617/349-4621.
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