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BOSTON (WBZNewsRadio) - The Healey Administration is out with it's Statewide Hazard Mitigation and Climate Adaption Plan, also known as ResilientMass, to tackle extreme weather in Massachusetts. The plan also creates an Office of Climate Science to help the commonwealth make the state building code stronger and update MBTA design standards to better meet a greener future.
“With ResilientMass, our administration is leading by example in preparing for mounting extreme weather events,” said Governor Maura Healey. “This summer brought dangerous weather impacts to our communities, and the impacts have been devastating. ResilientMass ensures that Massachusetts is well positioned for federal funds, while continuing our nation-leading work on climate.”
Based on the most recent Massachusetts Climate Change assessment, flooding, coastal flooding and erosion, and high heat were found to be some of the most significant dangers to Massachusetts.
“This is the year that changed everything. We saw frosts, floods, extreme heat, and fires devastate our communities,” said Climate Chief Melissa Hoffer. “These weather events are only expected to increase. ResilientMass represents a whole-of-government approach to ensure that every agency is working toward a more resilient, healthy future. With this plan, we see the power of collaboration in preparing for natural disasters.”
After this summer's heavy rain, farmers have struggled with the loss of crops. Unfortunately summers of extreme weather, like 2023, are only expected to become more normal as the years pass. By 2070, ResilientMass predicts Massachusetts to get some 12-42 percent more winter precipitation. Keeping these factors in mind, the EEA, Department of Conservation (DCR) and the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) will create a floodplain management plan, while other state officials will look at modernizing flood resilient construction standard.
"Massachusetts is tackling the climate crisis on two key fronts: we’re investing in innovative technologies and industries that will bring down emissions and foster tremendous economic development across the state. We’re also taking steps to prepare for extreme weather as global emissions rise,” said EEA Secretary Tepper. “That means taking a fresh look at our building codes, having sound emergency plans in place, and following the science to inform our decision making. I’m grateful to our partners at MEMA and other secretariats for joining us in the effort to combat the climate crisis.”
When it comes to extreme heat, ResilientMass found by 2050, the average summertime temperature in the Commonwealth will feel more like Maryland than Massachusetts. Looking further ahead, those temperatures continue to rise. By 2070, Massachusetts summers are expected to feel like North Carolina, and by 2090, a typical summer day for the Baystate will feel more like the current temperatures of Georgia.
“This plan represents a collaborative, forward-leaning approach to help ensure the Commonwealth is prepared to withstand, rapidly recover from, adapt to, and mitigate natural hazard events,” said Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency Director Dawn Brantley. “ResilientMass empowers emergency managers at every level of government with the data and information they need to develop plans and build resilience with a focus on lessening disproportionate impacts to environmental justice populations.”
EEA and DCR will also expand their Greening the Gateway Cities program in Barnstable, Malden, Taunton and Worcester. The project will plant more than 800 trees in these four communities, ResilientMass found to be battling significant heat island effects.
WBZ's Nichole Davis (@NicholeDWBZ) reports
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