Greenovate Boston is a community-driven movement to get all Bostonians involved in reducing the city’s greenhouse gas emissions 25% by 2020 and 80% by 2050, as outlined in the City’s Climate Action Plan. By laying out the necessary steps to reduce the causes of and to prepare for climate change, the Climate Action Plan gives Greenovate Boston a framework for building a greener, healthier, and more prosperous city.
In March 2009, Mayor Thomas M. Menino announced the formation of the Boston Climate Action Leadership Committee and Community Advisory Committee. After a year-long process, the committees presented the City with a consensus report: Sparking Boston’s Climate Revolution.
In 2010, Boston’s top business, civic, and institutional leaders formally joined forces in the Green Ribbon Commission to share best practices, fight climate change, and support the City of Boston’s climate plan, which was updated as A Climate of Progress in 2011. Working with representatives from all sectors and neighborhoods, the City developed strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while simultaneously ensuring equity, creating jobs, and preparing for the effects of climate change, including extreme weather events and higher sea levels.
Progress will largely be determined by the collective actions of the people who live, work and play here.
As Boston follows the route set forth by the Climate Action Plan, progress will largely be determined by the collective actions of the people who live, work and play here. Reaching the Mayor’s 25% reduction goal could be accomplished with progressive policy-making. However, an 80% reduction in carbon emissions requires the transformation of our entire city – both forward-looking policies and the adoption of environmentally-friendly habits and attitudes. Along with the continued development of energy-efficiency and sustainability programs and the leadership of the Green Ribbon Commission, our underlying aim is to motivate individuals and businesses towards sustainable, healthier decisions and to empower them to create their own climate plans.