TownGreen hosted the final webinar in the Good Harbor Beach Ecosystem series on Wednesday, May 24th 6:30-8:30pm. The program discussed and prioritized adaptation options for possible implementation at the iconic beach. Professor Charles Waldheim and Kira Clingen from Harvard University's Graduate School of Design outlined possible adaptation actions, offering specific details about how adaptation might work for the Good Harbor Ecosystem. Special guest presentation from Chris Leahy, retired professional conservationist with the Massachusetts Audubon Society, highlighted the bird species that frequent and rely on the Good Harbor Beach ecosystem. A video address with slides from Rory McCarthy from the local grassroots group Clean the Creek ran through the pollution issues that face the Good Harbor Beach creek. Jayne Knott, President of HydroPredictions, rounded out the program by presenting specific actions that could be implemented in the short-term.

Jesse Keenan, Tulane University Associate Professor of Sustainable Real Estate, delivered a virtual lecture on the economic and financial implications of adaptation to climate change on May 10, 2023. Keenan describes the increasing economic vulnerabilities to both household wealth and municipal budgets, as sea levels rise and the intensity of storms increases along the coast of Massachusetts in the coming years. As a globally recognized thought leader, Keenan’s research focuses on the intersection of climate adaptation and the built environment, including aspects of design, engineering, regulation, planning and financing. He has previously advised on matters concerning the built environment for agencies of the U.S. government, governors, mayors, Fortune 500 companies, technology ventures, community enterprises, and international NGOs. Cape Ann Conversations: Changing Coastal Communities is hosted by Harvard University Graduate School of Design’s Office for Urbanization. These convenings form a portion of the ongoing multi-year climate adaptation research project for Cape Ann, undertaken in collaboration with TownGreen, Water Alliance, and the Town of Manchester-by-the-Sea. WEDNESDAY, MAY 10, 2023

Adaptation and implementation solutions for Long Beach and Downtown Rockport were explored by a panel of experts. Participants learned about threats to existing structures and infrastructure.

Adaptation and implementation solutions for Long Beach and Downtown Rockport were explored by a panel of experts. Participants learned about threats to existing structures and infrastructure.

Cape Ann Conversations: Changing Coastal Communities are hosted by the Harvard Graduate School of Design's Office for Urbanization. These convenings form a portion of the ongoing multi-year climate adaptation research project for Cape Ann, Massachusetts undertaken in collaboration with the Cape Ann Climate Coalition, TownGreen, Water Alliance, the City of Gloucester, and the Town of Manchester-by-the-Sea. Dr. Kerry Emanuel is Professor Emeritus at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Professor Emanuel has made foundational contributions to the science of tropical cyclones, climate, and links between them, and has been a prominent voice in public debates on climate change, and what we should do about it.

Downtown Rockport was featured in this webinar, specifically sea level rise and anticipated impacts from storm surge and flooding with a focus on the Dock Square wastewater pumping station and Bearskin Neck. Dr. Jayne Knott reviewed incremental sea level rise maps and data highlighting vulnerabilities. Harvard’s Charles Waldheim and Kira Clingen outlined the possible scenarios of flooding in the Downtown area due to a Category 3 hurricane. Local experts will provide context to understand the wastewater pumping station issues. And, Bearskin Neck merchants shared stories about their experience with flooding and storms.

This Rockport-focused webinar addressed climate impacts to the Long Beach ecosystem. Dr. Jayne Knott outlined incremental sea level rise on Long Beach with projections and visuals followed by Harvard’s Charles Waldheim and Kira Clingen who addressed the threats from a Category 3 hurricane. We heard from Laura Kozachek, Chair of Rockport’s Conservation Commission. An open forum discussion followed the presentations to allow for the sharing of thoughts, ideas, and concerns.

TownGreen’s Open Forums provide a summary of ongoing projects and news and allows the public to ask questions and participate in discussions regarding climate change impacts and strategies on Cape Ann.

State Senator Bruce Tarr gives a summary of the Massachusetts climate legislation and related funding that he helped shape and pass in recent months: An Act Driving Clean Energy and Off-Shore Wind passed in 2022 and The Next Generation Roadmap Bill passed in early 2021. This unprecedented focus on climate reflects growing awareness and the state’s response to the reality of the threats created by climate change. December 14, 2022

TownGreen hosted its second workshop/webinar in the series focusing on the Good Harbor Beach ecosystem: Protecting and Preserving the Good Harbor Beach Ecosystem for Current and Future Generations, on Wednesday, November 30th from 6:30-8:30pm on Zoom. The webinar, “Adaptation: Is it Possible?” addressed climate adaptation approaches and solutions. Participants heard from experts about the difference between hard infrastructure solutions and nature-based solutions, and discuss solutions that might work for Good Harbor.  Denton Crews of Friends of Good Harbor was joined by Barbara Warren, executive director of Salem Sound Coastwatch, to report on Good Harbor marsh adaptations and present coastal adaptation case studies. Harvard Graduate School of Design Professor and Director of the Office for Urbanization, Charles Waldheim, outlined both gray and green infrastructure adaptation solutions presented in the HGSD research study: The Case of Cape Ann: Adaptation Strategy and Precedents. Jayne Knott reviewed infrastructure issues in the built environment, specifically Thatcher Road. This was followed by Q&A with the speakers.

Have you wondered about the various proposals for the development of harbor front properties, heard about the City’s efforts towards comprehensive urban planning as well as the work of the Harbor Planning Committee, or asked how you might have a voice about what downtown Gloucester is like in the future? Have you been concerned about what experts on the science about climate change might foresee and advise to inform these decisions? Would you like to pose a specific question to an expert and receive a thoughtful, well-informed answer? Presenters will include: Greg Verga, Mayor of Gloucester; Professor Charles Waldheim from the Harvard Graduate School of Design; Professor Antonio Raciti from the University of Massachusetts, Boston; and Kevin Hively, CEO and Founder of Ninigret Partners, a management consulting firm that focuses on economic development and community planning. The Symposium is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be available. This is a rare opportunity to explore one of the most important civic topics of our time and to meet fellow citizens who care deeply about the future of Gloucester. I hope you can join us in the Meetinghouse for this special event.

This is the first in a three-part workshop/webinar series that focuses on the Good Harbor Beach ecosystem that includes Good Harbor Beach, Salt Island, the marsh, and the surrounding connected ecosystem. This first workshop was recorded on Wednesday, October 26th, 2022. This workshop was followed by a Good Harbor Beach field trip to tour vulnerable areas identified in the workshop. Chaired by Maureen Aylward, this webinbar featured presentations from: Charles Waldheim, John E. Irving Professor of Landscape Architecture andDirector of the Office for Urbanization, Harvard University Graduate School of Design Jayne Knott, Principal, HydroPredictions Denton Crews, member, Friends of Good Harbor Mary Ellen Lepionka, local historian The 2nd event in this series is scheduled for Wednesday, November 30, 2022.

The second EPA Building Blocks for Resilience Workshop will build on the information and insights of Workshop 1 and provide valuable information on resources and solutions to decision makers. This second EPA Workshop’s objectives are: • Confirm climate threats and impacts for Cape Ann • Identify new strategies for mitigation and adaptation • Understand local and regional capacity and other resource needs for implementation • Understand potential funding opportunities (state, federal, and private) to meet needs

Professor Charles Waldheim presented the full narrative of The Great Storm of 2038 Scenario and outline four adaptation measures identified to prepare and mitigate the effects of hurricanes, northeasters, and other storms.

Over 60 leaders and participants from across Cape Ann came together on Wednesday, April 27 from 9-11AM to address the threats to Cape Ann from climate change, including likely damage to roads, water and sewer infrastructure, and natural systems. The EPA Workshop, the first of two, included presentations from the TownGreen-sponsored Harvard Graduate School of Design’s The Case of Cape Ann: Typologies of Vulnerability study. Climate threats like sea level rise and rising temperatures over the course of this century, as identified in Municipal Vulnerability Plans, were presented by Ellie Baker of Horsley-Whitten, a consulting group to EPA. Kira Clingen of the Harvard Graduate School of Design gave an overview of The Great Storm of 2038 Scenario with graphics and animation illustrating devastating impacts on Cape Ann infrastructure and residents.

Larry Chretien Executive Director of Green Energy Consumer Alliance presentation about energy aggregates at the Cape Ann Climate Coalition meeting on October 8, 2020. He ends the talk with a discussion on developing offshore wind turbines for energy.

The Harvard Graduate School of Design is planning a roadmap for a more resilient Cape Ann in the face of climate change. Greg Federspiel of the Cape Ann Climate Coalition reviews the proposal "Climate Mitigation, Adaptation & Resilience Planning on Cape Ann". This was presented at the Cape Ann Climate Coalition meeting on October 8th, 2020. This design is called: Confronting the Challenge of Climate Change: Designing the Future of Cape Ann.

Take a look at what a green city in Germany looks like with Manchester resident Pascal Mittermaier. What could Cape Ann do to become a sustainable community? Do you have any bold ideas for our area? "Lessons learned from the Green Recovery of Freiberg, Germany" a talk by Pascal Mittermaier was presented at the Cape Ann Climate Coalition's meeting on June 25th.

On Thursday June 11, at 3PM, Denny Dart, an environmental engineer by day and a climate activist evenings and weekends, talked about her experience calculating her personal carbon footprint. She shared the insights and actions that grew from seeing her own carbon impact, especially in the area of the footprint of her credit cards and investments. Her presentation included a tutorial on how to calculate your own footprint.

On Thursday, June 4 at 3PM, Natasha Lamb, Director of Equity Research and Shareholder Engagement at Arjuna Capital, addressed her work with national institution pension funds and endowments to advocate for reduction of investments in fossil fuel companies, for both ecological and rate of return reasons. Ms. Lamb’s work has been featured in the Economist, the Wall Street Journal, and the New York Times as well as CNN and NPR.

On Thursday, May 28 at 3PM, Larry Chretien, Executive Director of the Green Energy Consumers Alliance, joined us to discuss how his organization covers both policy advocacy at the state house and launches green energy programs aimed at the community and individual level. Mr. Chretien addressed his lobbying work, diversity, equity and inclusion in climate work, the Drive Green program, and his work on municipal aggregation.

Ken Kimmell, President of the Union of Concerned Scientists, joined us for an hour-long program featuring. Mr. Kimmell spoke on the theme of “Lessons from the Covid Crisis for the Climate Crisis.” The 25-minute presentation was followed byquestions from the Zoom audience, and a final wrap up by the moderator, Dick Prouty, and panelist, Candace Wheeler. Original webinar was May 21, 2020 @3pm. This event was part of TownGreen2025's Climate Crisis Solutions Webinar Series.

Myriam Alexander-Kearns makes the case for purchasing an electric vehicle, Myriam is a Policy Analyst for the Energy Policy Team at the Center for American Progress. From TownGreen2025's 2017 Cape Ann Sustainability Fair.

Matt Coogan reviews Gloucester's progress with renewables and energy reduction from TownGreen2025's 2017 Cape Ann Sustainability Fair

Larry Chretian of Mas Energy explores practical actions citizens can take to save money and protect the climate. From TownGreen2025 2017 Cape Ann Sustainability Fair.

A talk by Niaz Dorry, Coordinating Director, Northwest Atlantic Marine Alliance (NAMA) on the state of local sustainable seafood on Cape Ann. From TownGreen2025's 2017 Cape Ann Sustainability Fair.

Talk by Matthew Coogan, Senior Planner, Community Development. City of Gloucester, November 7th, 2015, at the TownGreen2025 Clean Energy Fair in Gloucester MA. An overview of the City’s efficiency and renewable energy projects.

Talk by Deborah Cramer, author of The Narrow Edge, November 7th, 2015, at the TownGreen2025 Clean Energy Fair in Gloucester MA. Climate change, oceans, and impacts on species

Talk by Jill Appel, Director of Community Programs, Direct Energy Solar, November 7th, 2015, at the TownGreen2025 Clean Energy Fair in Gloucester MA. A renewable energy program tailored for Gloucester residents

Talk by Tim Greiner, November 7th, 2015, at the TownGreen2025 Clean Energy Fair in Gloucester MA. Homeowner case study on energy efficiency and renewable energy.

Talk by Dick Prouty, Co-chair, TownGreen2025, November 7th, 2015, at the TownGreen2025 Clean Energy Fair in Gloucester MA.

Talk by Matthew Coogan, Senior Planner, Community Development. City of Gloucester, November 7th, 2015, at the TownGreen2025 Clean Energy Fair in Gloucester MA. An overview of the City’s efficiency and renewable energy projects.

Talk by Larry Chretien, Executive Director, Mass Energy, November 7th, 2015, at the TownGreen2025 Clean Energy Fair in Gloucester MA. Practical actions citizens can take to save money and protect the climate.

Talk by Craig Altemose, Executive Director of the Better Future Project, November 7th, 2015, at the TownGreen2025 Clean Energy Fair in Gloucester MA. An update on national/international organizing and action on climate change.

Talk by Julia Knisel, Coastal Shoreline & Floodplain Manager, November 7th, 2015, at the TownGreen2025 Clean Energy Fair in Gloucester MA. How sea level rise may impact our communities