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November e-Newsletter

We are thrilled to report that our Net Zero 2024 Conference, Climate Actions for Everyone, reducing emissions, building resilience, was, from the perspective of the participants, a big success. People reported feeling energized and inspired by the conference, and that they learned there was more going on in the climate action arena on Cape Cod and around the state than they realized. We extend our deep gratitude to all the presenters, those who assisted with the conference, and those who attended, as well as to our sponsors, including our presenting sponsor Cape Light Compact, who made it possible for this event to be free to attend. In this issue of the newsletter, we will be sharing information about the conference and links to the presentations.

Since the event on October 24, the U.S. Presidential Election has taken place. Given the stated priorities of the incoming administration, it may prove more challenging, but no less critical, to help our vulnerable region adapt and build resilience to climate change and reduce the ways in which it contributes to it. We applaud all who engage in this important work.

Net Zero Sessions

Building on the valuable insights shared by the speakers and panelists from Net Zero 2024, we are pleased to provide these videos to offer Cape Codders actionable suggestions for contributing to a more sustainable future.

Fireside Chat with Melissa Hoffer and Melissa Lavinson

Watch this engaging Fireside Chat featuring Melissa Hoffer, Massachusetts Climate Chief, and Melissa Lavinson, the newly appointed Director of the Massachusetts Office of Energy Transformation within the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs. In this discussion, Director Lavinson outlines her approach to the critical work ahead.

Welcome & Introductions

Hear remarks given by the Cape Cod Climate Change Collaborative’s Board President, Dorothy Savarese, to set the stage for the entire conference. From the reasoning behind our theme of “Climate Actions for Everyone”, Reducing Emissions, Building Resilience to how collective community action brings us deep hope, learn more about how our sixth Net Zero conference came into existence and what we hope you all take away. Also hear from Senator Elizabeth Warren via video message, whose work exemplifies the importance of prioritizing climate actions for everyone in the state of Massachusetts.

Massachusetts Housing & Climate Innovation Center

Hear more about the Massachusetts Housing and Climate Innovation Center and the Cape Cod All-Stars Program, which provides an opportunity for college students and Cape Cod towns and organizations to work together on bringing innovation to address housing and climate initiatives. Select projects from the 2024 program are highlighted and the promise of youth engagement in the face of the climate crisis is celebrated.

Planning for Coastal Resilience: Local to Regional

Cape Cod towns, like coastal communities across the Commonwealth, face daunting and complex issues associated with the threats posed by climate change impacts including rising sea levels and increased frequency and ferocity of storms. Hear from our panel of experienced resilience planners from the Cape Cod Commission, Barnstable County, Cape towns, and off-Cape practitioners, along with citizens partnering with them to create targeted coastal resilience plans as they address coastal resilience as an illustrative critical component of local climate action planning on Cape Cod.

Electrifying Transportation on Cape Cod

Transportation accounts for more than half of the greenhouse gas emissions on Cape Cod, higher than the state and national averages. Hear what is being done at the state and regional level to reduce those emissions by undertaking an equitable and effective approach to electrifying transportation through planning for public transit and EV charging station initiatives. Also, learn what individuals and businesses can do.

What Can I Do? Introduction to the Interplay Between Actions & Advocacy

What difference can one individual, family, businesses or non-profit organization make? The problem of climate change is so big, and its damaging effects impacting our region are so serious, that it can feel overwhelming. But, our collective efforts can help build community resilience. Hear about the measures people, businesses and organizations can take, including effective advocacy, actions to reduce our carbon footprints, convening and collaborating, and educating and communicating. Also, hear a special video message from Senator Ed Markey in conclusion of the day’s plenary session panels.

Breakout Session: Local & Regional Climate Action Planning

In this breakout session, panelists describe efforts to address the increasingly urgent need to accelerate local climate action planning. Hear from panelists about important considerations drawn from elsewhere as well as local efforts, including the pilot currently underway in Chatham in collaboration with the local Climate Action Network, Cape Cod Commission and the Town of Chatham. If you're interested in getting involved in local climate action planning in your town, email info@capecodclimate.org with your name, address and town.

Breakout Session: What Can I Do?

Hear more detailed information about what individuals, non-profit organizations and businesses can do to reduce the ways they contribute to carbon pollution and support efforts to build resilience and adapt to climate change. Everything from debunking myths about electric vehicles to greening local buildings to sharing stories about youth advocacy, find out more about actions you can take from a wide variety of perspectives.

Local News

Woodwell Climate Research Center's Debrief and Impacts from COP29 Baku, Azerbaijan

State News

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.