Climate Change

This report, prepared by EEA and the Massachusetts Climate Change Adaptation Advisory Committee, is the first broad overview of climate change as it affects Massachusetts, the impacts of this change, vulnerabilities of multiple sectors ranging from natural resources, infrastructure, public health, and the economy. It also provides analysis of potential strategies that could better prepare us for this changing world.

Climate change is among the greatest environmental challenges of this generation, with potentially profound effects on the economy, public health, water resources, infrastructure, coastal resources, energy demand, natural resources, and recreation. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is committed to doing its part to mitigate and adapt to this challenge, recognizing the necessity of engaging in adaptation planning today by taking a close look at strategies that could help the state become more resilient and ready to adapt to climate change as it occurs.

The Global Warming Solutions Act of 2008 requires the Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs to establish a statewide limit on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of between 10 percent and 25 percent below 1990 levels for 2020 -- on the way toward an 80 percent reduction in emissions by 2050 -- along with a plan to achieve the 2020 target. The Secretary has set that 2020 limit at 25 percent -- and this Clean Energy and Climate Plan for 2020 contains the measures necessary to meet the limit.

Climate change is a shift in long-term weather patterns: temperature, precipitation, wind, and more. There is scientific consensus that our climate is changing, as a result of global warming caused by human activities that produce greenhouse gas emissions.

RGGI is a cooperative effort by Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas that contributes to global climate change. Learn about MA RGGI from the Department of Environmental Protection.

Learn about the auction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions Allowances from the Department of Energy Resources.

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is expected to experience warmer temperatures, increased frequency and intensity of storms, public water supply shortages, rising sea levels, and increased erosion which threaten our coastal areas. Recognizing the gravity of these threats, Massachusetts state agencies are taking the lead in reducing their environmental impacts.