Boston, like many other cities around the world, is already feeling the effects of climate change. In Massachusetts, average temperatures have increased by almost 3.5°F, and over the last decade, Boston has experienced more hot days and nights than any decade in the previous 50 years. This trend is only expected to worsen in the coming years, with hotter summers and greater heat stress on the horizon.
Even if significant action is taken to reduce emissions, the number of days in Boston over 90°F is projected to increase from a historical average of 10 days per year to as many as 46 days per year by the 2070’s. This increase in extreme heat poses a significant threat to public health and safety. In the United States, extreme heat is already the number one cause of weather-related deaths, surpassing tornadoes, hurricanes, flooding, and cold weather combined.
Preparing for hotter summers is critical to ensuring the well-being of Boston residents. The Heat Plan provides a citywide framework to build a more just, equitable, and resilient Boston, both in the near-term and long-term. It is essential to address the impacts of climate change on public health and safety to ensure the city’s sustainability and resilience.
One of the challenges Boston faces is the urban heat island effect, where densely developed areas with asphalt, pavement, and dark roofs store and release heat, resulting in higher average temperatures than surrounding communities. Not all areas of Boston experience hot days in the same way, with some neighborhoods entering high-heat conditions sooner, reaching higher air temperatures, and enduring heat wave conditions for longer periods.
Equitable heat resilience means putting people at the center of climate adaptation efforts. By increasing access to cooling resources and addressing underlying factors that contribute to greater burdens on some residents, we can deliver more just and equitable outcomes for all Bostonians. Building climate resilience must prioritize the needs and experiences of individuals alongside policies focused on infrastructure and buildings.
Investments in heat resilience offer multiple benefits beyond just mitigating the impacts of climate change. They can lead to lower greenhouse gas emissions, reduced air pollution, healthier residents, safer commutes and workplaces, and an overall higher quality of life for all Bostonians. By implementing the strategies outlined in Boston’s Heat Plan, the city can move towards becoming a Green New Deal city and ensure that everyone can thrive in the face of climate change.
In conclusion, Boston is already experiencing the effects of climate change, and it is crucial to take proactive steps to prepare for hotter summers and build a more just, equitable, and resilient city. By centering people in our climate resilience efforts and investing in strategies that benefit all residents, we can create a more sustainable and thriving Boston for generations to come.