Since the passage of the GWSA in 2008, Massachusetts has created a strong framework of state laws, regulations, and executive orders that guides the Commonwealth’s actions to address climate change. Click here to read more about the Commonwealth’s plans and efforts to reduce GHG emissions, build resilience, and adapt to the impacts of climate change here in Massachusetts, across state lines, and across the world. Global warming is a problem Massachusetts cannot solve alone. Only by engaging and working with our partners in New England and across the world will we be able to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, preserve our natural resources, continue to grow our economy, and protect our residents and communities from the impacts of climate change.
As we look to 2020 and beyond, Massachusetts has an opportunity to continue its leadership, working with regional states and partners through programs like the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, the Transportation and Climate Initiative, and the U.S. In the last ten years, the Commonwealth has led the nation in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and has helped fuel a new economy built on innovation and technology. The resilient MA Climate Clearinghouse provides communities with the best science and data on expected climate changes, information on community resiliency, and links to important grant programs and technical assistance. Sea-level rise threatens to eat away at Massachusetts’ populous coastline, while stronger and more frequent weather events pose dangers to public safety and the lives and property of our residents. Over 65% of Massachusetts’ emissions come from our cars, trucks, homes, and offices another 20% comes from the power plants that provide electricity for our lights, computers, and appliances.Ĭlimate change presents a serious threat to the Commonwealth’s residents, communities, environment, and economy. Unlike many states and nations, emissions in Massachusetts do not primarily come from large industrial or agricultural operations. See more about the Commonwealth’s policies for mitigating GHG emissions. Additionally, vehicle standards have lowered the carbon intensity of each vehicle mile traveled while the Commonwealth's nation-leading energy efficiency programs have helped to control energy demands in buildings despite economic growth and variable (and, at times, harsh) weather conditions. Significant GHG emissions reduction from the electric sector since 2005 has been a major contributor to the drop in gross GHG emissions. Massachusetts' success in reducing GHG emission comes despite a 14% growth in population and 24% growth in vehicle miles traveled. The most recent Massachusetts Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Inventory shows that GHG emissions in 2018 were 22% below the 1990 baseline level, on track to meet the 25% reduction by 2020 required by the Global Warming Solutions Act (GWSA).
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