Boston's Climate Change Update

Environmental Project

Sean Moran & Jack Bressor

BOSTON’S Climate Change

The Biggest Challenge of the 21st Century

Climate change is defined by NOAA as a long-term shift in the statistics of the weather. It’s important to note that there is natural variability in the climate changing, but there is also human-induced change that has accelerated natural climate change.

Humans are putting naturally occurring gases such carbon dioxide (CO2) and water

vapor (commonly referred to as greenhouse gases) into the atmosphere through the emissions of burning fossil fuels and natural gas at an alarming rate.

Scientists have long studied these emissions and have concluded that 350 parts per million CO2 in the atmosphere is the safe limit for humanity. As of last count, there were 391.57 CO2 ppm in the atmosphere.

Over a year ago on Earth Day 2011, Mayor Thomas M. Menino released A Climate of Progress, the City of Boston's Climate Action Plan update. Based on the wide-ranging recommendations from the Climate Action Leadership Committee's, A Climate of Progress is Boston's blueprint for meeting their most ambitious goal yet. It is based on the foundations of climate mitigation and adaptation. Climate

mitigation focuses on what the city can do to decrease its contribution to climate change, by decreasing green house gases. Climate adaptation recognizes that climate will be changing and that Boston needs to make changes now to ensure costs and losses will be lessened in the future.

Boston’s biggest goal is to reduce

Boston’s Plan to Combat Climate Change

Issue 1, april 25 2012

Contents:

Continued on page 2

Climate Change: The Biggest Challenge of the 21 Century 1

Boston’s Plan to Combat Climate Change 1

Climate Action Plans: How Cities are Preparing for Change 2

Main Attractions Threatened by Rising Sea Level 4

Cartoons 5

Op-Ed: Climate Change: The Time to Act is Now 6

Op-Ed: Boston’s Plan: Good Goals or Recipe for Disaster? 7

Boston’s Climate Timeline 8

Continued on page 3

CLIMATE

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BOSTON’S'

CHANGE

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CLIMATE

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BOSTON’S'

UPDATE

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BOSTON’S'



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Climate Change: The Biggest Challenge of the 21 Century (Continued)

“No country can hide from the

dangers of carbon pollution” –

Barack Obama

seriously than others. Portland, Oregon, which was named as America’s greenest city in 2008 according to Popular Science released encouraging results from their climate action plan this past week.

While greenhouse gas emissions have rose 12% since 1990 in the United States as a whole, Portland has actually decreased their emissions since 1990, by 6%. The report said that, “the same sensibility that makes

Climate Action Plans: How Cities are Preparing for Change

Continued on Page 4

Continued on page 5

In 1959, the number stood at 315.97 ppm. When the Kyoto Protocol was introduced in 1997, there was 363.71 ppm CO2.

The current level of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere is at its highest in the past 650,000 years.

What we have experienced in the past few years are record high temperatures, record snowfall amounts, and extreme weather of various sorts. This can be attributed to the greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere.

The response to the increasing scientific evidence pointing

towards humans accelerating climate change has not been the same everywhere. Countries such as Denmark and Costa Rica have made it a point to cut carbon emissions. Costa Rica has even pledged to become the first carbon neutral country in the world. This would be done by offsetting all carbon emissions through forest preservation and extension.

There are countries that have been much slower to respond to climate change. 191 countries have ratified the Kyoto Protocol that was brought forth by the UN in 1997 to combat climate change, however the United States has yet to sign on. Even

Along the coastlines of this country, cities are facing the harsh reality that they must act now to prevent, or at the very least, minimize the affects of climate change. City websites now have entire sections dedicated to what is known as climate action plans. Within these plans are steps both the city and its citizens can and haven taken to reduce emission and prepare for change.

Of course, some have taken the threat of climate change more

Across the country, cities are trying to

become more “green”.



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MITIGATION Plan Status Share of 2020

Goal Description

Buildings and Energy Sources – 67% of 2020 Reduction Goal Renew Boston and Electric Utility Efficiency Programs

Expanded 24% Help residents and businesses access electric utility program resources for energy efficiency

Renewable Portfolio Standard Existing 11% Increase supply of electricity from new renewable sources

Renew Boston and Gas Utility Efficiency Programs

Expanded 7% Help residents and businesses access natural gas utility program resources for energy efficiency

Appliance Standards Existing 5% Increase energy efficiency of appliances Building Codes Existing 2% Raise energy standards for construction and

renovation Energy Efficiency Retrofit Ordinances Proposed 7% Require energy efficiency upgrades at time of

sale Behavior Change Proposed 3% Motivate public to use buildings more

efficiency Oil Heat Efficiency Program Proposed 3% Establish energy efficiency program for

heating oil and propane customers Benchmarking and Labeling Proposed 2% Require publicly accessible energy efficiency

ratings for buildings Low-Carbon Standard for Heating Fuels Proposed 2% Reduce greenhouse gas fro heating fuels Stretch Code or Equivalent Proposed 1% Raise energy standards for building

construction above state base Cool Roofs Proposed 1% Require light-colored or vegetated roofs Transportation – 31% of 2020 Reduction Goal Federal/ State Mileage and GHG Standards Existing 14% Increase fuel efficiency of vehicles Vehicle Miles Traveled Reduction Strategies Reduce vehicle use Mass Transit/Parking Expanded 5% Encourage use of mass transit; raise parking

costs Car Sharing Expanded 2% Encourage use of car sharing Bike Program Expanded 1% Expand bicycle infrastructure Behavior Change Expanded 4% Motivate public to use vehicles more

efficiently Low-Carbon/Renewable Fuel Standards for Gasoline and Diesel

Proposed 5% Reduce greenhouse gas from vehicle fuels

Anti-idling Expanded <1% Increase enforcement, expand education on idling

Solid Waste – 3% of 2020 Reduction Goal Commercial Solid Waste Reduction Expanded 2% Increase requirements and incentives for

recycling Residential Solid Waste Reduction Expanded 1% Increase requirements and incentives for

recycling

greenhouse gas emissions 25% by 2020 and 80% by 2050. Other goals include incorporating projected climate change into all formal planning and project review processes, engaging all segments of the community in climate action and leadership, developing innovative businesses and workforce skills to take advantage of the climate action opportunities. The report also advised the city of Boston to give adaptation the same priority as mitigation, assess vulnerabilities, remain flexible should information change, include climate change

in all planning and review, review impacts on existing programs and infrastructure, promote green jobs, promote economic equity, promote climate action at the neighborhood level, collaborate with community in program development and implementation, support a citywide awareness campaign, equip individuals to take action, continue to lead by example, secure sufficient human and financial resources, and to develop a detailed plan an monitor implementation. But here’s how the proposed targets might be met:

Boston’s Plan (Continued)



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Faneuil Hall. The Freedom Trail. New England Aquarium. TD Garden, home of the Celtics and Bruins. Bostonians wouldn’t usually think of these as water-front properties and attractions. However, according to a report composed by the Union of Concerned Scientists in 2007, these sites are exactly the area that could be affected by the projected 100-year flood zone, represented by the light blue area in the map. A 100-year flood zone is a term used by scientists and environmentalists to explain the areas that will be affected by a flood once every hundred years. However, this dire prediction is not a certainty; it can still be avoided because their model is based on the assumption of high-emissions.

Climate Change (Continued)

for those countries that have signed the Kyoto Protocol, progress has been varied.

As populations continue to rise in the United States and worldwide, greenhouse gas emission will continue to rise unless steps are taken to mitigate our emissions.

The effects of climate change moving forward remain unknown. What we do know is that global temperatures have risen in the past century, as have global sea levels, glaciers are rescinding and deserts are expanding.

The extents of these effects are unknown, but it’s clear legitimate action must be taken. That involves a multitude of stakeholders including governments, business, and individuals. If these actors can work towards emissions reduction, we may be able to get our ppm CO2 under 350.

The report also noted that the areas affected by the current 100-year flood zone will be expected to occur, on average, as frequently as every two to three years by 2050 and once every other year by late-century, given either emissions scenario. Meaning the Long Wharf and New England Aquarium will certainly see increased flooding.

This flooding is directly related the rising sea tides that the Massachusetts coast will observe. Global warming affects sea levels by causing ocean water to expand as it warms, and by melting land based ice. With higher emissions, global sea level is

Main Attractions Threatened by Rising Sea Level

Continued on page 7



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Portland livable - trees, greenways, walkable neighborhoods, streetcars, and solar - has helped reduce carbon emissions 26% per person since 1990.”

What is persistent across all action plans is the necessity for citizen participation, because everyone plays a role. The goal of cities is to present their citizens with ample knowledge and resources to make a difference. Take for example Chicago’s Bike 2015 plan with “more than 120 miles of on-street marked bike-ways, 35 miles of off-road bike paths, 11,000 bike racks, and a bike commuter station equipped with 300 bike parking spaces, shower/locker facilities, and bike repair facilities at Millennium Park.”

A trend for the implementation of climate action plans is that they tend to be isolated to the pacific northwest, the northeast, and a few scattered cities such as Chicago, Miami, and San Francisco. Cities in the South and Midwest have been lagging in producing quality climate reports and action reports. What is hampering these areas are the lack of a green economy, natural disaster risks, local agriculture, and public transportation. Transportation is a huge component of emissions for many cities, regardless of geographic location.

For example, transportations emissions account for 40% of Miami’s greenhouse gas emissions. Even in an area considered to be eco-friendly such as Burlington, VT, transportation emissions went up 22% between 2007 and 2010. That is why you have a city like Baltimore, who in their latest sustainability plan of 2009 have laid out strategies to reducing the affects of transportation. They want to “improve the public transit services, make Baltimore bicycle and pedestrian friendly, facilitate shared-vehicle usage, measure and improve the equity of transportation, and increase transportation funding for sustainable modes of travel.”

Boston stacks up well to the cities considered to be

benchmarks in the climate adaptation. The city has reduced its total greenhouse gas emissions over the past five years and it has laid out ambitious goals including reducing greenhouse gas emissions 25% by 2020 and 80% by 2050. Reducing these emissions will be critical in mitigating the effects of climate change.

The cities that are considered the greenest in this country benefit from small geographic areas with a focus on healthy and sustainable living. Boston is an example of this. Progress has been made and it can be hoped that cities without adequate climate action plans such as Houston can take note and learn from both the success and failures of the benchmark cities.

Cities (Continued)

Cartoons



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When purchasing a new vehicle, ensure that it fuel efficient (visit the EPA’s Green Vehicle Guide). More importantly, lessen your transportation emissions by carpooling, driving less, and riding a bike or walking more frequently.

If helping the environment isn’t your motivator, the Energy Policy Act’s tax credits should be an incentive. When you purchase ENGERY STAR products, you most likely will be qualified for a tax credit.

These individual changes can show that as a consumer, you favor environmentally friendly products. This statement can go a long way. If we are to spread the word, communities as a whole will make concerted efforts to decrease emissions.

Clearly, the path we are on now isn’t sustainable. Our lifestyles are producing massive amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere and if we don’t modify our habits, it is only pushing the problems onto the next generation. It’s not their problem. It is ours.

It is our problem and it won’t solve itself.

If you live on the Cape, you’re

Op-Ed: Climate Change: The Time to Act is Now

For more information concerning your household

carbon emissions, please visit the EPA’s emissions

calculator at:

http://epa.gov/climatechange/emissions/ind_calculator.

html

We have a choice. We can either adapt to climate change, adjust and cope with the consequences, or we can mitigate climate change, this means eliminating and reducing the risks posed by climate change. To do this, we must reduce our carbon emissions.

If you’re looking for a reason to reduce your emissions look no further than your favorite beach. Chances are that in 100 years, it will be underwater. We are emitting greenhouse gases into the atmosphere at a rate that this Earth can’t sustain. Not only are temperatures as a whole rising, weather is becoming more unpredictable. In such a large environmental concern, you might think that your actions have no real impact on the overall situation. However, when it comes to climate change, everything matters.

Thankfully, we all can reduce our emissions. On top of that, we can save money while doing so.

When you think about lighting in your house, what five lights do you use the most? If you and every other household replaced these five bulbs with ENERGY STAR bulbs, the reduction of emissions would equal that of 10 million cars nationwide. With any home appliance purchase, look for the ENERGY STAR sticker.

Other ways you can make a difference within the household include insulating doors and windows that may leaking. It’s important to eliminate the drafts that decrease efficiency of energy inside the house. Instead of a gas lawnmower, use a push mower and discontinue the use of fertilizers on your property.

going to either have to raise your house or move, because the ocean levels are rising and they are coming right for your house.

If we don’t curb our emissions, temperatures are going to rise to levels seen in southern states.

Are we prepared to lose parts of the Cape? Are we willing to see parts of Boston harbor under water? If not, we must not just adapt to climate change, we need to mitigate it. The aforementioned simple step when making purchases are a start, but we need more.

We need to engage policymakers to impose tougher regulations on emissions. The same tax incentives given out by the government on ENERGY STAR products should be broaden to businesses as well.

We live in a great country and this is a great state. However, unless serious steps are taken, both individually and on the macro level, this region will have a drastically different feel to in just a few decades. Is this something we are prepared for?



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projected to rise between 10 inches and two feet by the end of the century (7 to 14 inches under the lower-emissions scenario). These projects are conservative because they do not account for the recent observed melting of the world’s major ice sheets—nor the potential for accelerated melting. This article is not meant to scare you into

Main Attractions (Continued)

Op-Ed: Boston’s Plan: Good Goals or Recipe for Disaster?

paralyzation. It’s not meant to enrage you. It is meant to make the threat of climate change real and personal. And granted you may not live in Boston when this flooding occurs. You may not even be living. But chances are you’re family and friends will be. And maybe they’ll be fine, but they’ll also be left witnessing the heartbreaking damage and paying the bills.

Mayor Menino sought to cut greenhouse gas emissions from government operations 7% below 1990 levels by 2012 and accomplished that goal early. The city of Boston’s A Climate of Progress lays out similar goals, cutting greenhouse gas emissions 25% by 2020 (only 8 more years) and 80% by 2050 (38 more years). These represent doable goals, but goals that won’t be easy by any means.

Like many environmental regulations, these goals will cost businesses and families alike. While the end result may even be worth the cost, Boston can hardly afford to place needless costs on businesses and working people. Furthermore, some of these regulations could even drive away prospective investors and businesses. As the Boston community slowly rebounds from the worst economic recession since the Great Depression, this would not be a wise move at all.

Let’s look at some of these proposed ways to meet the 25% by 2020. Four of the proposed building mitigation sources include extra regulation: Increase energy efficiency of appliances through standards (5% of the 100% needed for 2020 goal); Require energy efficiency upgrades at time of sale for retrofitting ordinances (7%); Raise energy standards for building construction above state base (1%); and Require light-colored or vegetated roofs (1%).

It will certainly be interesting to see if these are implemented over the next 8 years. For instance, re-coloring all the roofs of Boston will not be an easy task, and it only accounts for 1% of the needed goal. Unless the plan only calls for new buildings, which would hardly make any difference.

We see similar options under the transportation mitigation plans. Increase fuel efficiency of vehicles for State standards (14%); raise parking costs on streets to encourage mass transit (5%);

increase enforcement of anti-idling (<1%).

Aside from the obvious costs to taxpayers for increased enforcement of idling, which will hardly have any affect towards the goal, the increased parking costs will have huge implications. City-dwellers already face a high cost of living. Increasing parking costs will have the desired affect of reducing cars on the street, but that will not be an easy sell to the public. Will politicians be able to convince the public these measures are needed? Time will tell, but these difficult measures are only for the ‘lesser’ goal for 2020, the 2050 goal is looking a lot harder.

And should we miss the target, what will happen? Will Boston be branded as a failure? Will people care enough to make bigger changes?



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2000 Mayor Thomas M. Menino enlists the City of Boston in the Cities for Climate Protection Campaign sponsored by ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability. 2001 Mayor Menino appoints an Energy Advisory Committee to help reduce the City's energy consumption. 2002 The City constructs its first municipal green building, the George Robert White Environmental Conservation

Center, and the Mayor appoints a Green Building Task Force to produce a "comprehensive examination of every facet of green building."

2005 Mayor Menino joins other members of the U.S. Conference of Mayors in unanimously adopting the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement. The mayors agreed that their cities would "strive to meet or exceed Kyoto Protocol targets." 2006 The Department of Neighborhood Development receives a $2 million grant from the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative to develop green affordable housing. The City begins using biodiesel in its vehicles. 2007 The Boston Zoning Commission adopts a Green Buildings provision, which requires that projects over 50,000 square feet be "LEED certifiable." Mayor Menino issues an executive order "relative to climate action in Boston," which establishes the goal of and policies for reducing GHG emissions by 80 percent by 2050. The City presents its first round of Green Awards, recognizing businesses and residents pursuing sustainable solutions to local climate issues and publishes its first climate action plan, Climate: Change.

2008 U.S. Energy Secretary Bodman designates Boston a Solar America City. Mayor Menino announces Solar Boston, a two-year $550,000 initiative to increase the amount of installed solar capacity in Boston from half a megawatt in 2008 to 25 megawatts by 2015. Boston ranks as the 6th most sustainable city in the US by SustainLane.com. Mayor Menino signs an Executive Order on Greening Operations, including comprehensive recycling and instituting a green cleaning program. The City presents its second annual Green Awards and expands the program to include Bike-Friendly businesses. 2009 Mayor Menino and former Vice President Al Gore announce the creation of the Climate Action Leadership Committee which will work to revamp the City's Climate Action Plan to help reduce the city's green house gas emissions by 7% below 1990 levels by 2012. The Mayor also announces the Community Advisory Committee, which will coordinate with the Climate Action Leadership Committee to create an action plan that will

Boston’s Climate Change Timeline

Continued on page 9



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include the interests of all Bostonians. Mayor Menino announces four major citywide environmental initiatives: the Kill-A-Watt program to help residents calculate energy efficiency, the adoption of single-stream municipal recycling for city residents through the Recycle More program, and the Renew Boston Program which will create green jobs and promote energy efficiency. 2010 Mayor Menino's Climate Action Leadership Committee presented its recommendations in its report ordinance for solar energy projects in Boston that will make the process for obtaining solar permits more efficient and less costly. Beginning in the winter of 2010, Boston experiences one of the snowiest winters on record at 80.1 inches.

2011 A Climate of Progress, released by Mayor Menino on Earth Day, is the updated climate action plan for the City of Boston. Menino brings a cutting-edge bike share system to Boston, among the first in a major metropolitan area. The Hubway Bike Sharing system installation will begin in July with 61 stations located across the entire city. In the summer months of 2011 tornados touch down in Western Massachusetts.

Timeline (Continued)

Documents

Boston's Climate Change Update