Climate Forward was designed to be updated every five years to meet changing needs and seize new strategies to reach our goals. Since 2018, our community has made tremendous progress on the original action items in the plan, reducing greenhouse gas emissions while enhancing equity-centered resiliency. Now it’s time to renew Climate Forward, drawing on more recent climate data and community feedback. Input from local stakeholders is essential to shaping our collective response to climate change.  

“Climate change isn’t some far away event that we are buckling up for. It’s here now, it’s a crisis, and we must act to slow the impacts,” said Mayor Ballantyne. “Getting involved with Somerville Climate Forward is a good way to make a difference. Rethinking city policies and systems can have a large impact on carbon emissions as well as on resources for residents – especially the most vulnerable who will otherwise be hardest hit by climate impacts. We are fortunate to live in a community where people are ready to come together, brainstorm good ideas, and do our part. I hope to see a big response to this. Our planet – and our kids that we will leave it to – certainly need us.” 

There are several ways to make your voice heard: