Like many other Cape communities, the town of Brewster declared a climate emergency this fall and adopted a policy of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to net zero. The policy directs all town employees and officials to take action, and it commits the Select Board and Town Administrator to engaging the community.
This BCN forum explored the following question: “How can Brewster engage decision-makers and citizens in accelerating progress toward net zero at the municipal and community-wide levels?”
The forum began with a talk by consultant, advocate, and educator Chris Powicki, who will place Brewster’s climate emergency declaration in context with myriad state, regional, local, and community-based initiatives focused on reducing emissions. Perspectives from town officials and audience Q&A will follow.
Confirmed panelists included Select Board chair Mary Chaffee, Town Administrator Peter Lombardi, Cape Light Compact representative and Energy Committee member Colin O’Dell, Town Planner Ryan Bennett, and former Select Board and Coastal Committee member Pat Hughes. In addition to asking questions, audience members were encouraged to offer their ideas on how the town and community can reduce emissions and increase natural carbon storage.
FOLLOW UP FROM FORUM:
Here is the link to watch or download the video – https://capecod.zoom.us/rec/ share/tnIPiG4rUFMzBnHMPj- rHrQxYDyweGh8BTZ3dA4kQMUsawI8W xCSDjTiUGafeWC4.S7iHI5qy9OiiV_ uf?startTime=1607038317000
Learn about the state’s efforts to reduce emissions under the Global Warming Solutions Act – visit https://www.mass.gov/ mitigating-greenhouse-gas- emissions
Get an energy audit from the Cape Light Compact – learn more and sign up at https://www. capelightcompact.org/energy_ efficiency/
Check out the emissions inventory, podcast, and other resources being created by the Cape Cod Commission under its Cape Cod Climate Change Initiative – visit https://www. capecodcommission.org/our- work/climate-change/
Sign up for Climate Action Alerts from the Cape Cod Climate Change Collaborative – fill out the form at https://lp. constantcontactpages.com/su/ ZzHnDD1/ClimateActionAlert
Check out real-time solar energy production atop the capped landfill at the Brewster Recycling Center – http://s43397.mini. alsoenergy.com/Dashboard// 2a566973496632724a426b4b772b71 553d
Volunteer to help create the Brewster Climate Action Network – BrewsterCAN – through which citizens and town officials can work together in reducing emissions and building climate resiliency – send a note with your ideas and contact information to brewstercan@gmail.com.