Cities and towns throughout the country are taking leadership roles to reduce carbon emissions. Westford has joined them.
Election day in Westford is May 4. Where do candidates for town office stand on climate change issues? WCA asked the questions and here are their responses
Carol Morse and Beth Perkins presenting the Climate Action Resolution at Special Town Meeting on October 17. Photo by Joyce Crane at WestfordCAT.
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Our mission is to drive climate action. We promote sustainability and advocate on a local level for actions that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and safeguard the health of our community for future generations.
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Why Now?
We cannot wait.
- 2019 was the second hottest year ever and 2020 is well on its way to exceed it
- Atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations in May 2020 exceeded the highest monthly average ever recorded
- The planet suffered through the second hottest year ever in 2019, and May 2020 tied for the highest global May temperature in 141 years of record keeping
- As the Earth continues to heat up, climate-related impacts, including heat waves, extreme storms, droughts,and flooding, are worsening
Why 2050?
Both Ambitious and Feasible
- Both branches of Massachusetts State Government have overwhelmingly passed major climate-related legislation this session calling for net-zero carbon emissions by 2050
- Governor Baker announced the new net zero target of 2050 during his State of the Commonwealth address in January 2020
- Many local town have passed similar resolutions. Examples: Lexington, Bedford, Concord, Natick, Arlington, Belmont, Somerville. Over thirty towns in Eastern Massachusetts have committed to achieve net zero/carbon-free status by 2050. Acton Town Meeting is voting on a Climate Emergency Resolution at their Fall 2020 Town Meeting
Endorsements:
Representative James Arciero
2nd Middlesex
“We are already seeing the impacts of climate change in cities and towns across Massachusetts, which is why I was proud to commit the Commonwealth to an ambitious target of net zero emissions,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Meeting this challenge will require bold action and partnership throughout every sector of the economy, and we look forward to working with stakeholders to pursue this target in a way that is equitable and cost-effective.”
– Governor Charlie Baker