TownGreen2025 is a clearinghouse for information about climate change. We provide reliable resources not only for understanding the complexities of climate change, but also for taking personal action, here and now, to reduce one’s carbon footprint. We invite you to learn about our work and to get involved!
Annual sustainability fair
Our annual sustainability fairs are great way to promote sustainability initiatives within the community. Each year is a little different, but in general, we have terrific speakers, student projects, exhibits, and commercial vendors. Some of the key topics that are covered include solar energy, ways to be more energy efficient, the benefits of RRR (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle), and how to support carbon sequestration. Learn more about the 2018 Sustainability Fair.
Climate Change Curriculum
TownGreen2025 is developing an innovative Climate Change Curriculum with local teachers. With support of a consultant from the Woods Hole Research Center, we held two summer workshops for local teachers. The teachers learned about climate change and were able to incorporate climate change into existing science, social studies, or environmental studies classes. Learn more about our Climate Change Curriculum.
Community and partners
Many organizations and public agencies on Cape Ann are involved with addressing climate change. Feel free to reach out and get involved. Show your commitment to achieving a carbon neutral Cape Ann by 2025! If you would like to add a group to this list, please contact TownGreen2025.
- Cape Ann Maritime Partnership (CAMP). CAMP is dedicated to the eradication of marine pollution. It holds a spring and summer marine debris eradication program in conjunction with Maritime Gloucester. For more information, contact Zach Thomas, at (804) 647-7551 or thomaszd11@gmail.com.
- Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team. This nonprofit organization is developing an interactive and educational nature study center called the Cape Ann Wildlife Center. For more information, contact Richard Roth, at (978) 559-9684or cavpt@yahoo.com.
- Seaside Sustainability. A Gloucester-based nonprofit organization, its aim is to be a leader in environmental and STEM educational programs and initiatives.
- NOAA Fisheries Greater Atlantic Region.This federal agency oversees commercial and recreational fishing activities, as well as the protection of certain fish species. For more information, contactColleen Coogan, at (978) 281-9300 or colleen.coogan@noaa.gov.
- Change Is Simple. A nonprofit, this organization brings educational programs to schools to instill lifelong social and environmental responsibility.
- National Wildlife Federation/Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary. Great Marsh Coastal Adaptation Plan (2017) identifies for six coastal communities vulnerabilities from climate change and outlines strategies to increase resiliency.
Local Government Initiatives
- Town of Rockport. Forty municipal employees are attending a workshop to learn about climate change vulnerabilities and how to plan for impacts.
- Town of Manchester. The town assessed the risk of its wastewater-treatment facility from sea-level rise using EPA’s Climate Resilience Evaluation and Awareness Tool.
- City of Gloucester.At this site you’ll find information about coastal resilience.
- Gloucester Green. A mayor's initiative is to reduce the city’s carbon footprint by helping residents save energy and money.
- Gloucester Clean City Commission. This commission works with all city departments, such as the Department of Public Works, the Department of Parks and Recreation, the School Department, and the Conservation Commission,to keep the city clean and beautiful. For more information, contact Ainsley F. Smith, at ainsleyfsmith@gmail.com.
Take action
- Stay informed. “Like” our Facebook page and stay current about what’s happening with TownGreen2025, renewable energy efforts, and climate change issues more broadly.
- Get involved. Consider volunteering for TownGreen2025. Even if you only have a few hours to spare! We are always delighted to have new folks join us.
- Take legislative action. Learn about state legislation and policies that address global warming and climate change. Get involved and make your voice heard.
- Support "climate-smart" schools. Advocate for green school buildings and sustainable practices; support the inclusion of climate change issues into grade-level curricula. For more information, see Alliance for Climate Education, Climate Commitments: School Board Resolution Toolkit Webinar from Climate Generation, and Zero Energy Schools U.S. Department of Energy. Helpful reading: 4 reasons net zero energy should start with schools.
