 Today, Wellesley launched a Climate Action Plan with actions to meet our greenhouse gas reduction goals. The thoughtful roadmap for the future of our community and its residents was launched after more than a year of work. The Plan outlines specific actions Wellesley will take to reduce the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions causing climate change and to build resilience to climate change impacts.
“Climate change is not some theoretical possibility on the horizon. We’re already witnessing and paying the price for climate change impacts, including tree damage from extreme storms, increased flooding, poor air quality, and the rise of insect-borne illnesses. We have a moral obligation to address this existential crisis. Doing so will reduce future costs for Wellesley and yield additional economic, health, ecosystem, and infrastructure benefits.” said Dr. Marybeth Martello, Wellesley’s Sustainability Director. “Goals and actions outlined in the Plan are tangible and meaningful ways to protect our planet, our community, and our children.” The Town has acknowledged the devastating impacts of climate change with more than ten years of action on greenhouse gas emissions reduction and other sustainability initiatives. After Wellesley achieved its 2020 emissions reduction target, Annual Town Meeting 2021 updated town-wide goals calling for a 50% reduction of GHG emissions by 2030 (using 2007 measures as a baseline), a 75% reduction by 2040, and net zero emissions by 2050. These goals parallel those set at state, national, and international levels. The much-anticipated Climate Action Plan was developed with community-wide input and is organized along six pathways: Governance, Energy, Buildings, Mobility, Natural Resources, and Waste. Goals, strategies, and actions are spelled out for each pathway. Several of the Plan’s action steps are already underway! Read the Climate Action Plan summary. To view the complete list of actions within each pathway, visit Climate Action Plan.  Last month Dr. Marybeth Martello, The Town of Wellesley's Sustainability Director gave a preview of Wellesley's Climate Action Plan. To watch the video, click this link and to see the presentation slides use this link.
There are numerous programs our town has in place to incentivize changes you want to make. Check them out below. Clean Comfort Program Wellesley Drives Electric Energy Efficiency Rebates Food Waste Challenge Sustainable Mobility Plan Wellesley has a goal to reduce emissions to net zero by 2050. Make changes that will help us get there.  Considering buying an electric vehicle (EV), or just want to better understand what it’s like to own and drive one?
Transportation accounts for 43% of Wellesley’s greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). The Town of Wellesley has set an ambitious climate goal of achieving net zero GHG emissions by 2050 and interim goals of a 50% reduction by 2030 and 75% reduction by 2040. Driving an EV is one way you can reduce your environmental impact and help our community reach these goals. Learn more about electric vehicles at three upcoming events to help you become an informed buyer: Thursday September 30, 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. Energy New England Drives Electric Learn about new EV choices available this year and get your questions answered by EV experts at this National Drive Electric Week virtual event. Sign-up here. Thursday September 30, 7:30 p.m. EVs, PHEVs, Hybrids: Car Options for Today Sharon Kirby, a Wellesley resident and EV owner, will share her firsthand perspective on EVs and answer attendee questions at this Sustainable Wellesley virtual event. Sign-up here. Saturday October 2, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. Wellesley EV Showcase (part of Wellesley’s Wonderful Weekend) View different makes and models of EVs in-person and chat with Wellesley residents about their experiences owning and driving EVs. This event takes place at the Cameron Street parking lot in Wellesley. Sign-up here. EVs are fun to drive and more affordable than ever, thanks to a $7,500 federal tax credit, a $2,500 Massachusetts state rebate, and a Green Energy Consumer Alliance Drive Green discount. And the savings continue, because an EV owner can save up to $1,000 per year on fuel and maintenance costs when compared to a traditional gas powered vehicle. “We can all help combat climate change by choosing an EV the next time we buy or lease a new or used car," said Dr. Marybeth Martello, Wellesley’s Sustainability Director. "The U.S., along with more than 140 other nations, the state of Massachusetts, and Wellesley are actively working to curtail greenhouse gas emissions. We all can make a difference.” ABOUT These EV events and information are offered at no cost to all residents through a partnership between: Sustainable Wellesley, an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization that engages residents, businesses and the town of Wellesley to take sustainable actions to protect our climate; reduce pollution of air, land and water; preserve biodiversity; minimize waste; and ensure environmental justice. The Wellesley Climate Action Committee which engages our community and establishes goals, actions, metrics, and implementation blueprints for building resilience and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Wellesley Drives Electric, a program offered by the Municipal Light Plant to inform Wellesley residents about the benefits of driving an electric car and the electric utility bill savings available by charging an EV at home overnight. Contact Terry Connolly, Wellesley Municipal Light Plant for more detail at 781-489-7766 or at [email protected]. |
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