Boston Climate Action
We're creating a clear vision for how we will reach our carbon neutrality goal while also preparing Boston for climate change.
We want Boston to continue to develop as a vibrant and sustainable city. We're currently taking steps to address climate change by both reducing carbon pollution and strengthening our resilience to its impacts. We use science, policy, and community engagement to plan for how we can address the long-term risks of climate change.
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Have questions? Contact:
Environment
2019 Climate Action Plan
Cities contribute 70 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions. Like many leading cities around the world, Boston created a climate action plan to reduce its impact on global climate change.
We also created an online Story Map to summarize the report:
- English
- Español (Spanish)
- Kreyòl ayisyen (Haitian Creole)
- 繁體中文 (Traditional Chinese)
- Kriolu (Cape Verdean Creole)
- Tiếng Việt (Vietnamese)
The 2019 update details 18 strategies to increase carbon reductions from buildings and transportation over the next five years. By accelerating carbon reductions, we're honoring our commitment under the Paris Climate Accord to keep global warming under 2 degrees.
Equity in the 2019 updateThe 2019 update was shaped by a community working group that included over 60 organizations across Boston. Each action includes a section titled, "Designing for Equity". The section includes ideas and principles to carry out each step in an equitable way.
our goals work togetherWe'll put in place these new carbon reduction actions alongside our ongoing programs. Our goals include:
Initiatives
How we’re preparing for climate change
Climate Ready Boston is our initiative to prepare the City for the impacts of climate change.
How we’re reducing emissions
Carbon Free Boston is our initiative to reach our goal of being carbon neutral by 2050.
How we’re reducing waste
Zero Waste Boston is our initiative to transform Boston into a zero waste city.
Get involved
Greenovate Boston aims to get all Bostonians involved in addressing climate change. We seek to empower residents to carry out community-level action in support of Boston’s climate goals.
Learn about GreenovateWhat is a climate action plan?
The Climate Action Plan is Boston's roadmap for how we will reach our greenhouse gas reduction goals.
With the plan, Boston will continue to develop as a vibrant and sustainable city for current and future generations. We plan to champion the actions needed to meet the global challenges of climate change.
Aside from meeting Boston’s climate goals, carrying out the actions laid out in the 2019 Update will lead to a host of other benefits. By going carbon free and getting climate ready, we are also:
- providing clean air
- improving mobility and access
- building a green economy with blue collar jobs, and
- protecting all Bostonians.
In other words, this work is essential for a healthy, thriving and resilient Boston.
Progress
Across the City, we recognize the importance of tracking our progress and being transparent. In addition to the summary image above, we are sharing a machine readable version. You can find previous updates online. We will release regular progress reports on the 2019 Climate Action Plan Update:
- Fiscal Year 2021 Climate Action Report (machine-readable, English)
The City has published coastal resilience plans for all 47 miles of our coastline. Learn more and view our implementation progress using our online map dashboard.
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Have questions? Contact:
Environment
