February 2026 newsletter

Love Wins

A Message from Executive Director Katy Acheson

Are you familiar with the concept of love languages? The originator of the concept outlined the five ways in which people receive and express love: words of affirmation, quality time, gifts, acts of service, and physical touch. Since the the book on love languages came out in the early 90’s, the phrase has surpassed the boundaries of romantic love and found its place in pop culture.

Since Valentine’s day is later this week, I feel it’s appropriate to share the Cape Cod Climate Change Collaborative’s love languages.

Words of Affirmation: share your thoughts on the work of the Collaborative, what you’d like to see us accomplish, and how you are participating in climate mitigation and adaptation. You can message us on most social media platforms or click “reply” to this email.

Gifts: the Collaborative is a 501c3 non-profit functioning in a landscape of highly competitive, decreasing pools of funds. Your contributions, no matter the quantity or frequency, are received with gratitude and help us make progress towards a safer and healthier Cape Cod region. Our donation page explains how your gifts serve our mission.

Acts of Service: this one is more for the planet directly. We love to see others take action at all levels. Join us for webinars, join a beach clean-up, write to your representatives on issues that matter to you and the life surrounding us. Even actions that feel small like carrying reusable cutlery or trying more plant-based foods count as acts of service to the planet and your own health.

With love,

Katy

LOCAL ACTION FOCUS

What’s happening in local towns that pertains to civic engagement:

➞ Mass Save Heat Pump Water Heater Marketplace is live – explore rebates + efficient upgrade options

➞ Save the Date! Big Blue, Green Tomorrow: Connecting the Dots conference returns Wednesday, April 28 & Thursday, April 29, 2026 in Falmouth

➞ Start sharing Earth Day/ Earth Month events with us! Email greta@capecodchamber.org.

Cape Light Compact

Climate Action That Strengthens Homes

Cape Light Compact’s partnership with Housing Assistance is delivering real results for Cape Cod and the Islands. Through energy assessments, weatherization upgrades, and heat-pump installations, income-eligible households are lowering energy costs, improving comfort, and strengthening long-term housing stability–all while reducing emissions. This collaboration shows how climate solutions can also advance housing security and community resilience.

Read the full story

Local News & Events

A Recap of WaterWORKS 2026 Career Day

Nearly 220 high school students from 11 schools across the Cape & Islands region attended WaterWorks 2026 at the campus of Cape Cod Community College for a fun-filled and educational day. After arriving on campus and registering, students gathered in the Tilden Performing Arts Center for a brief morning assembly, where they learned more about what it means to be part of the Blue Economy business sector.Throughout the event, students interacted with more than 40 exhibitors showcasing the diverse opportunities and innovations within the Blue Economy.

🎥 Watch Video Recap

Cape Cod Commission Releases Draft Eastham Climate Action Plan for Public Comment

The Cape Cod Commission and the town of Eastham have released the draft Eastham Climate Action Plan for a 30-day public comment period. Created with input from many community members, including full- and part-time residents, business owners, local organizations, municipal staff, and other partners, the plan provides a clear framework to guide local climate action through defined goals, strategies, and implementation measures.

Dowses Beach Clean-up
February 21st | 12 PM - 2 PM

Join BLT, the Town of Barnstable Natural Resources team, and other community partners for a beach clean-up at Dowses Beach in Osterville. Gloves and trash bags will be provided as well as a thank you gift. Please dress accordingly for the weather and join the fun! Pre-registration is suggested to make sure there are enough supplies.

Volunteer Registration

A History and A Future of Land Conservation on Cape Cod
February 23rd | 2 PM
Centerville Public Library

This presentation, with Mark H. Robinson, will provide an overview of themes driving efforts to preserve the Cape from early philanthropic gifts and civic beauty efforts to the powerful rise of land trusts and municipal programs beginning in earnest in the 1980s. Projected 21st century trends of sustainable agriculture, climate adaptation, undevelopment, and ecorestoration will be discussed.

How to Save Money on an Electric Car in Massachusetts
February 26th | 12 PM | Online

Massachusetts has offered rebates for electric vehicles since 2014 through the MOR-EV program. This webinar, presented by Green Energy Consumers Alliance, will break down how the rebate works and how you can take advantage of it. We’ll cover incentives for new and used vehicles, increased rebates for income-qualified residents, rebates for trucks, and how to access the rebate at the dealership or after your purchase.

On Our Climate Radar

What We’re Reading:
The Man Behind the Fall of Offshore Wind This article examines how coordinated opposition and national interests have shaped offshore wind narratives and raises important questions about how communities can mobilize around accurate information and pro-renewable energy solutions. Read more ➞

Overshoot: The World Is Hitting Point of No Return on Climate

With warming set to pass the critical 1.5-degree limit, scientists are warning that the world is on course to trigger tipping points that would lead to cascading consequences — from the melting of ice sheets to the death of the Amazon rainforest — that could not be reversed. Read more ➞

Who We’re Following:
Orleans Pond Coalition Blue Pages
Since its founding in 2003, the Orleans Pond Coalition (OPC) has been dedicated to protecting and enhancing the saltwater estuaries and freshwater ponds and lakes of Orleans, Massachusetts. They are a fully volunteer organization that emerged from a growing community awareness of the need to safeguard our local waters. The Orleans Pond Coalition offers educational programs to encourage mindful land use practices; conducts water quality research; works with community, regional and state organizations to formulate policies to protect our environment, waterways and livelihoods; and informs the public of the status of on-going initiatives. Read more ➞

Give today!

We are a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to reduce the Cape & Islands’ contributions to climate change and protect our region from its potentially devastating impacts. As part of an organizational alignment with the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce, we are combining strengths to advance clean energy, resilience, and climate solutions across the region.

We depend upon the generosity of our stakeholders to conduct this work. All donations are tax deductible as allowed by law.

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