The greenhouse effect. Global warming. Climate change. These terms, once used only by scientists and environmentalists, now appear almost daily in news stories and speeches and everyday conversations. Today, few doubt that our climate is changing and that the effects of climate change will be serious. Although the science behind climate change is complex, the reasons for action are clear: protecting Boston-the city of today and of the future-from climate risks, and taking advantage of the opportunities that climate change presents.

On April 13, 2007, as another step in the City of Boston's long involvement with climate change issues, Mayor Menino issued an Executive Order to set clear and challenging goals for the City's efforts. These include reducing our annual greenhouse gas emissions seven percent below 1990 levels by 2012 and 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050. The Executive Order furthers programs and policies already in place for:

• Improving our buildings and structures
• Optimizing our energy sources
• Balancing our transportation system
• Managing our land and water

Climate: Change-the summary document and the full report - is the City of Boston's plan to reduce its contributions to the causes of climate change and to adapt to the changes already underway. It describe the sources of Boston's greenhouse gas emissions and the actions the City is taking to reduce them.

The Boston community-its residents, businesses, and institutions-is taking action as well, and the City is supporting their essential activities with a variety of resources.

Take Mayor Menino's Climate Action Pledge! Join Mayor Menino in pledging to take these 10 simple steps toward reducing greenhouse gasses. Take the Pledge »

For more information, please contact:
Boston Environment Department
City Hall, Room 805
Boston, MA 02201
617-635-3850
APCC@cityofboston.gov