BARNSTABLE – The Cape Cod Commission has announced that they will hold a series of facilitated sub-regional community meetings to solicit input on planning priorities, concerns, and barriers to moving climate adaptation and mitigation actions forward throughout the region.
Scheduled to take place throughout the month, the community focused, information based discussions will inform a strategic framework and collaborative approach to address the region’s contributions to and threats from climate change.
“Working collaboratively is critical to establishing a necessary baseline to measure progress as we work toward climate resilience,” said Commission Executive Director Kristy Senatori.
“We’re hoping that we can define and shape a larger Cape Cod climate initiative and really look to integrate existing activities that are taking place across the region and identifying what are some of the planning priorities and concerns and barriers as we look to address climate change in the region.”
During the meetings, Commission staff will share information from ongoing coastal resilience and climate related work, including a process for establishing a regional greenhouse gas emissions baseline and progress toward identifying potential locations for electric vehicle charging stations.
The meetings are intended for participants from the public and private sectors, non-profits, and other interested citizens.
“It’s important to hear from a diverse group of stakeholders and there’s an opportunity for participant to really shape what larger initiative can happen on the Cape,” continued Senatori.
Staff will discuss new tools available to communities to adapt and respond to the ever increasing impacts along the coastline.
“As a region, we must take broad action to reduce our contributions to climate change,” said Rich Delaney, president of the Cape Cod Climate change Collaborative.
“We look forward to working with the Cape Cod Commission and all stakeholders to establish an accurate baseline and to design a framework for climate action.”
Cape Cod faces challenges due to its geography and geology, historic connection to the sea, and the number of residences, businesses, and critical infrastructures located in its most vulnerable areas.
The extent of threats facing the Cape Cod region requires coordinated action and broad community efforts.
Meeting Schedule:
Monday, October 21st, at 9 a.m., Chatham Community Center, 702 Main Street, Chatham
Monday, October 21st, at 1 p.m., Wellfleet Council on Aging, 715 Old Kings Highway, Wellfleet
Tuesday, October 22nd, 6 p.m., Cape Cod and Islands Association of Realtors, 22 Mid Tech Drive, Yarmouth
Tuesday, October 29th, at 10 a.m., Mashpee Library, 64 Steeple Street, Mashpee
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