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Climate Actions for Everyone
Reducing Emissions, Building Resilience

NEW DATE: October 24, 2024
We hope you will save the date for our rescheduled sixth annual Net Zero conference – Net Zero 2024: “Climate Actions for Everyone: Reducing Emissions, Building Resilience” on October 24th.
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The conference will feature panels with climate leaders on crucial topics like coastal resilience, electrifying transportation on Cape Cod, and practical actions for reducing emissions and enhancing community resilience. Join us for important discussions on achieving a net zero future and strengthening regional resilience to climate change impacts. Speakers and panels to be announced!
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Registration will be available soon!
Light continental breakfast and boxed lunch provided.
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Gulf of Maine Proposed Sale Notice
Residents Called for "Reset" on Outer Cape Offshore Wind
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In a recent meeting in Eastham hosted by the federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), Outer Cape residents, officials and even supporters of offshore wind called for a reset on BOEM’s proposal to lease areas in the Gulf of Maine due to lack of an opportunity for community engagement and input. The packed room shared concerns from the community, highlighting worries about environmental impacts, economic implications and the need for more thorough evaluations and transparency.
For more details, read the article from WCAI or watch the recording from Lower Cape TV.
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Utilizing our own collaborative verbs, here are some suggestions on how Cape Codders can contribute to building a more sustainable future:
Educate and Communicate: Educate yourself and your family on preparation for hurricane season with the Barnstable County Hurricane Preparedness kit we have compiled below.
Act: Call the Cape Light Compact today to learn more about how you can save with thier Energy Saver Home Loan Program!
Convene and Collaborate: Mark your calendars for our 6th annual Net Zero 2024 on October 24th! This conference will bring together climate leaders to focus on solutions for reducing carbon emissions.
Advocate: Attend a town meeting and speak up about environmental issues that are important to you!
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Barnstable County Hurricane Preparedness
Is This the Year for Cape Cod?
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As the Atlantic hurricane season kicks off with NOAA predicting “above-normal hurricane activity,” it’s crucial for Cape Cod & Islands residents to prepare for potential storms. With the help of Barnstable County's Hurricane Preparedness information, here's how you can ensure you and your family are ready:
Get a Kit
- Stock up on essentials like non-perishable food, water, medications, and important documents.
- Prepare a go-bag with necessities in case you need to evacuate quickly.
Make a Plan
- Establish a family communication plan on how you will stay in touch with family members during an emergency.
- Familiarize yourself with local evacuation routes and identify emergency shelter locations.
- Ensure your pets are microchipped, have proper identification and plan for their care during an evacuation.
Be Informed
- Sign up for local weather alerts to stay informed about storm developments.
- Consider purchasing flood insurance, which typically requires a separate policy and takes 30 days to take effect.
- Take steps to secure your home by trimming trees, removing potential windborne objects, cleaning gutters, stockpiling sandbags, and waterproofing your basement.
Additional Tips
- Keep your EV charged or your gas tank at least half full to ensure you can evacuate if needed.
- Educate friends and family, especially those living in coastal areas, about these preparedness steps.
For more information on hurricane preparedness for Barnstable County, visit Barnstable County’s Hurricane Preparedness site. Stay safe and prepared, Cape Cod!
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Cape Light Compact
Energy Saver Home Loan Program
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Cape Light Compact has partnered with MassHousing and the Massachusetts Community Climate Bank to offer the Energy Saver Home Loan (ESHL) Program.
The ESHL Program offers customers who live in their home full time and make below 135% of the area median income, the ability to finance upgrades that can help reduce their energy consumption. These upgrades can include solar, converting to heat pumps for heating and cooling, heat pump water heaters, weatherization, and more.
To learn more about the program, including a complete list of eligible upgrades and program requirements, visit capelightcompact.org/energysaver or email
energysaver@capelightcompact.org.
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The Net Zero conference brings together climate leaders to focus on solutions for reducing carbon emissions, strengthening regional resilience to climate change impacts and building a net-zero, decarbonized future.
The event will feature educational sessions, inspiring keynote speakers, and networking opportunities across industries.
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Where Does Your Electricity Come From?
Decarbonization and Grid Modernization in New England
| New England and Massachusetts are transitioning to renewable energy and modernizing the electric grid to enhance capacity and efficiency. This shift includes replacing fossil fuels with renewable sources and updating grid infrastructure. Falmouth residents, primarily served by Cape Light Compact, currently receive electricity from a mix of natural gas, nuclear, hydro, solar, oil, and wind, with 100% of usage matched by renewable energy certificates. | |
 
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In a recent article by The Falmouth Gazette, they highlight how Massachusetts is aiming for net zero emissions by 2050 by increasing solar, wind, and energy efficiency while reducing fossil fuels. Grid modernization will improve capacity and reliability, support more renewable connections, and allow better energy management, especially in areas like Falmouth. This will transform the electric system into a more efficient, two-way network, empowering residents and businesses to control their energy usage. Read more here! | |
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Empowering Tomorrow's Innovators
MassHCIC All-Stars in Action!
| Over the past month, the Massachusetts Housing and Climate Innovation Center has been working with 8 All-Stars on various projects focused on tackling issues at the nexus of environmental sustainability, housing affordability, and climate resilience. The students have been working with towns, regional organizations, and technology incubators to enable the deployment of new sustainable technologies. | |
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After spending their first few weeks meeting with local stakeholders, the All-Stars spent last week learning about the startup ecosystem, culminating in a visit to Greentown Labs in Somerville in order to hear from innovators on what they need in order to deploy their technologies on Cape Cod. Look out for info on each All-Star and their project on the Collaborative’s social media over the coming weeks. | |
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Cape Cod Commission
Completed Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS)
| As an Economic Development District designated by the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA), Cape Cod must develop and maintain a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) every five years. Led by the Cape Cod Commission, the latest CEDS was completed in June 2024. | |
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The CEDS envisions a resilient, inclusive, and diverse Cape Cod with access to housing, quality business, education, employment, and thriving natural resources. Developed with input from the Barnstable County Economic Development Council and other stakeholders, the CEDS includes strategic actions and measurable indicators to track progress, fostering a strong and vibrant regional economy. Learn more here! | |
Mass. Awarded $60 Million in Federal Grants for Electric Buses | |
The Healey-Driscoll Administration recently celebrated nearly $60 million in federal grants to support the electrification of buses in Massachusetts. These funds will help replace diesel buses with electric ones, promoting cleaner air and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The initiative is part of the state’s broader effort to advance environmental sustainability and modernize public transportation.
Read more about this federal funding here.
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We are a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is reduce the Cape & Islands' contributions to climate change and protect our region from its potentially devastating impacts.
We depend upon the generosity of our stakeholders to conduct our work. All donations are tax deductible as allowed by law.
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We welcome climate news from your home, school, business, town, faith community, or organization. Please submit your news, events, or article ideas to info@capecodclimate.org. | | | | |
