This talk will described fusion energy and how the same process that powers the stars can be harnessed on Earth as the ideal source of carbon-free energy. A giant leap forward on the path to commercial fusion energy occurred in 2021 when Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS) and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) demonstrated the world’s strongest superconducting magnet at the scale required for fusion power plant systems. 
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This presentation explores the powerful connection between keystone plants and the insects that depend on them. You’ll learn how to implement “Soft Landings” in landscapes of all scales from home gardens to larger managed sites. This innovative habitat design and management strategy focuses on creating lush, drought-tolerant mini ecosystems beneath native trees to support pollinators throughout their life cycles. Participants will learn what defines a pollen specialist, discover examples of these fascinating bee-plant relationships, and understand how keystone plants function as foundational species in our ecosystems.
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Bring us your old, tired, or just unneeded bike. The bikes will be delivered to the Lowell Bike Connector. The Bike Connector’s mission is to provide the Greater Lowell Community with safe and affordable bicycles.
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Trees are one of the simplest and most powerful climate solutions in our communities. They cool neighborhoods, reduce energy use, clean the air, absorb stormwater, and store carbon—making cities and suburbs healthier and more resilient as the climate changes.
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Avoid Costly Last-Minute Replacement Decisions

Our speaker, Edith Buhs, will walk us through the planning process, identifying the most critical items to replace and when to do so, providing guidance on useful planning tools, and identifying resources for unique personal situations. We’ll leave the session with a scratch plan and some action items.
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The Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) recently proposed a plan that would allow for sewage to continue to be dumped into the Charles River forever. During a meeting with its Board of Directors, MWRA officials presented multiple options for addressing combined sewer overflows (CSOs) in the Charles, and recommended adopting the option leading to the least amount of sewage reduction. After public outcry, the proposal was pulled from the MWRA’s Nov. 19 th agenda. According to an MWRA spokesperson quoted in The Boston Globe, “…it will be considered at a future board meeting after further information is gathered.”
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Cosponsored by CFREE and Green Newton

Offshore wind presents a generational opportunity to deliver renewable energy, decarbonize industry, stimulate economic growth, and catalyze the revival of shoreline infrastructure. Offshore wind can be deployed at gigawatt-scale without the significant land use, siting, and viewshed concerns associated with onshore renewables. Furthermore, offshore wind taps into strong and consistent ocean winds that allow electricity to be produced efficiently, particularly during nighttime and wintertime when onshore renewables are less productive.
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Update - The New York Times: Judge Revives Wind Farm That Trump Halted Off Martha’s Vineyard

Geothermal networks can take advantage of heat stored deep in the earth to heat and cool buildings. Geothermal has significant potential as a clean, renewable, predictable energy source for local communities. It taps local energy that’s always available, shielding customers from fluctuating fossil fuel prices.
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There is so much that nature does to support our gardens when we create a partnership. Ecologically based design strategies help strengthen the partnership by giving nature the ability to do what it does best: live and reproduce. We, in turn, benefit from far fewer demands for maintenance and more time to take in nature’s wonders.
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Dr. Moomaw has been a lead author of five major Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports. The IPCC shared the Nobel Peace Prize for its climate work in 2007, one of the years for which he was a lead author of the IPCC report. He is a Professor Emeritus, Tufts University; Center for International Environmental & Resource Policy, Fletcher School of Law & Diplomacy and a Distinguished Visiting Scientist at the Woodwell Climate Research Center.
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An award-winning feature-length film about the implications of one city’s decision to ignore the threats posed by climate change and spend billions of dollars on building a new waterfront district — on landfill, at sea level.
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https://www.inundationdistrict.com/home

How a Cleaner Charles River Will Yield Safer, More Resilient Communities

Since 1965, Charles River Watershed Association (CRWA) has been the leading voice for a cleaner, healthier Charles River. While the river is significantly improved from its “Dirty Water” days, the work is not done. And now we face the growing threat of climate change, bringing flooding, extreme heat, more frequent drought, and more. Join us to learn what further action is needed to achieve a swimmable Charles, and how modernizing our water management practices will make your community better able to withstand the weather extremes of climate change. 
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Click here to sign up for CWRA’s newsletters

Click here to learn more and register for CWRA’s Water Coalition Lobby Day on April 3

Click here to access CWRA’s flood map site.

Massachusetts is facing a waste crisis. It is quickly running out of landfill space and no new sites are currently in the pipeline. In addition, trash incinerators are operating at capacity. A significant portion of the trash we throw out isn’t really trash but products waiting for a second life –  perfectly reusable sinks, doors, mantles, beds, dressers, housewares, etc. One person’s trash is another’s treasure. How do we connect the “excess” with the “need?”
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Click here for a list of businesses that recycle a wide range of products.

Did you miss our January 11th workshop on "Winter Sow", a way to start our local native perennials from seed over the winter? Watch this tutorial which steps you through the process, and next spring you will be ready to plant your new baby native plants.
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*where and when it makes sense to do so

Ross Trethewey, P.E., M.Eng.,
Building Engineer for This Old House and Ask This Old House

Ross Trethewey is Principal of TE2 Engineering with extensive experience updating homes to create a more energy-efficient and sustainable environment.
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Massachusetts is unique in being both among the most populated and most forested states. Residents of the Commonwealth look to forests for so much: from wood to water, from walking trails to wildlife. 
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Sen. Michael J. Barrett presented an update on the State’s climate policy.
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New England is currently warming faster than the global average. As a result, southern New England is now a global hot spot of decreasing snow cover and throughout New England, annual precipitation has increased along with severe rainstorms. Join Professor Stephen Young from Salem State University as he explains the science behind New England's warming and what impacts this warming is already creating and will create in the future.
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Massachusetts has a mandate to reduce carbon emissions to net zero by 2050. To achieve these goals, the State Legislature must now pass legislation on multiple fronts to make this goal a reality.
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Is Massachusetts Ready for Climate Change? (Part I)

MetroWest Climate Solutions is pleased to host Dr. Edwin Sumargo, a Climate Scientist on the Massachusetts’ Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Climate Team. The team includes climate hazards, mitigation, adaptation, and policy experts as well as staff to support local communities.
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According to NASA, turf grass lawn covers more of the U.S. than any other irrigated crop, while degrading our environment. Lawns are resource-heavy, requiring mowing, irrigation, fertilizer, and pesticides to thrive in New England. Learn why you should “kill your lawn” and how to replace it with beautiful and environmentally friendly gardens. Transitioning your yard to incorporate native plants in the lawn or gardens helps to mitigate floods, heat waves, sea-level rise, and the mass extinction of species.
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Currently, the U.S. generates about 60% of its electricity from fossil fuels, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. The U.S. aims to transition away from these carbon-emitting fuels by 2035, which will require a significant increase in sources of clean energy. Currently, renewables (wind, hydropower and solar) generate about 21% of our electricity, while fission nuclear plants generate 18%.
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Buildings account for 27% of Massachusetts greenhouse gas emissions. Governor Healy’s plan for the sector: “Electrify everything.”

When the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources rolled out new building codes at the end of 2022, they introduced a new Specialized Code, intended to help meet the state’s goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.
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Learn why some cooks are switching from gas to induction cooking.

Recent studies have raised concerns about hazardous air pollutants from gas stoves. A peer-reviewed study reported that gas units are responsible for 12.7 percent of childhood asthma cases nationwide and 15.4 percent of cases in Massachusetts. And these appliances aren’t doing any favors for the planet. Gas cooking produces over 25 million tons of carbon pollution each year in the U.S., according to rmi.org.
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In recent years, many local towns have created roles for sustainability specialists. These professionals lead and coordinate their town’s sustainability initiatives and help to raise awareness about environmental issues.
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What is the relationship between climate change and social justice?

How can residents of the suburbs most effectively take action to promote greater climate equity?
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The food we eat, where we buy it, and how that food is grown affects our health and that of the planet. Approximately one-third of total human-made greenhouse gas emissions are linked to our food system.
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Listen to a livestream from First Parish in Lincoln, where Bill McKibben reads from his latest book, The Flag, The Cross, and the Station Wagon.
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with Matt Honkonen of East Coast Solar
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with Steve Breit, cofounder of HeatSmart Alliance
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