In 2050, Central Massachusetts is prepared for the consequences of a changing climate by addressing serious threats to infrastructure and the health of its population. Resilient neighborhoods and critical infrastructure are designed to withstand threats. Vulnerable populations are protected from the impact of extreme climate, and municipalities are prepared to respond to emergencies. Regional partnerships strengthen local responses to climate threats that municipalities are not equipped to handle alone.

Changes in Precipitation: As temperatures continue to rise, Central Massachusetts will continue to experience changes in the amount and frequency of precipitation events. Higher rates of precipitation are predicted because climate-induced high temperatures allow the atmospheric capacity for holding moisture to increase, resulting in an additional 3 to 4 inches of rain per year and totaling 54 inches of rain per year by 2050. Despite the number of days of rainfall per year decreasing over time in the region, it is predicted that more rain will fall overall, and the rainfall will become more intense. Both the increase in precipitation and intensity of rainfall together will increase flooding risks throughout the Central Massachusetts region over time. 

Sea Level Rise: Although there are no coastal communities in Central Massachusetts, the region will experience indirect effects of global sea level rise in the form of economic and social disruption and the mass migration of populations seeking to leave high-risk areas.  

Rising Temperatures: Summer 2023 was the hottest month ever recorded. By 2030, the temperature is expected to increase by 3.6°F, and by 2050, average temperatures may increase by 10°F, contributing to extreme heat health impacts and more intensified stress on electric utility distribution infrastructure. Available climate model projections demonstrate that inland areas, such as Central Massachusetts, will warm faster than coastal areas.

Extreme Weather: Changes to inland cover impact both weather and climate by altering the concentration of greenhouse gases and the exchange of energy between land and the atmosphere. Current climate projections expect increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events – such as hurricanes, nor’easters, and tornadoes – for all of Central Massachusetts.  

Net-Zero 

Net-Zero is the current initiative to cut greenhouse gas emissions to as close to zero as possible, through a multi-tiered approach. 

Communities should require zero emissions generation policies (including, but not limited to, building codes, business operations policies, and providing fossil fuel-free transportation options), smart land use decisions like low impact development, and implementation of reforesting projects on vacant and derelict land. Trees are expert carbon sequestering tools, and when local native trees are planted, they can provide even more environmental and ecological benefits. 

Achieving net-zero is an ambitious task that can seem daunting, but is achievable in a brief period if stakeholders commit to robust action. Switching to electric vehicles, machinery, and renewable energy wherever feasible is a good first step. Reforestation, smart land use practices, and smart agriculture practices can begin to capture harmful emissions in the region and produce healthy and clean air. Small but continuous steps can help ease the transition from how we currently live and operate in the region to a healthier, sustainable, and enjoyable future. 

Stormwater & Flooding

Stormwater management is typically underfunded and understaffed, creating alarming implications for the future of our water supply. Public education about stormwater, and nature-based stormwater solutions should become part of the future of responsible development. Our towns face a dual challenge- the rising costs of culvert replacements and the lack of capacity to meet steep Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4) requirements. In a time when rainfall will likely increase, stormwater planning is our best defense against flooding.

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The Solution is Nature-Based   

Nature-based solutions mimic natural processes, treating rain as a resource rather than a waste product. Open space preservation and ecosystem restoration are examples of nature-based solutions.  Low-impact development (LID) designs are integrated into new residential and commercial developments. Permeable paving, green parking lots, stormwater planters, bio-retention bump outs, and rain gardens are examples of LIDs that optimize the amount of rain that can permeate the soil.  LID reduces development and energy costs, minimizes flooding, improves water quality, reduces urban heat island effects, assists in meeting regulatory requirements, and restores natural features.  The rural areas of our region do not have stormwater infrastructure like storm drains, and have relied on natural groundwater processes. As the region continues to grow, natural based stormwater solutions should be implemented in rural, suburban, and urban areas.  

Use science-based, informed decision-making and local knowledge to promote equity and social justice and ensure that vulnerable and underserved communities are not disproportionately impacted by climate change risks.

Promote sustainable land use practices such as green infrastructure and low impact development to reduce adverse effects on the region’s natural resources.

Achieve Net-Zero emissions by 2050.

Improve Efficiency of Existing Technology/Infrastructure.

Establish New Technology/Infrastructure.

Land Surface Temperature CMRPC Region. Data was collected in July of 2016. Source: MAPC, Land Surface Temperature Index.

High: >100 F

Medium: ~90 F

Low: ~66 F