By Ana Tavares Leary,
Norman Hyett, and John DaRos
The Winthrop Town Council has approved the creation of the Citizens Advisory Commission on Climate, marking a significant step towards addressing climate-related challenges facing our seaside community.
The Commission comprises the following members: Councilor John DaRos, Councilor Pat Costigan, Kim Dimes, Celeste Ribeiro Hewitt, Norman Hyett, Ana Tavares Leary, and Town Manager Tony Marino.
The Commission will serve as an advisory board to town officials, including the Town Manager and the future Director of Planning, in their efforts to secure current and future grants for climate initiatives focusing on developing a comprehensive climate resiliency and mitigation strategy. The commission’s mission includes assessing current climate-driven issues such as flooding, storm surge, and sea level rise, as well as their financial implications for the town and its residents.
Key responsibilities of the Commission include:
1. Synthesizing recent research studies and best practice recommendations, including the 2023 ResilientMass Plan, the Win2030 Vision for Planning study, and the 2017 “Resilient Winthrop – Designing Coastal Community Infrastructure for Climate Change” report
2. Reviewing climate plans from other municipalities
3. Identifying federal and state funding opportunities and supporting town leaders in securing such grants for climate initiatives
4. Providing education, awareness, and recommended courses of action to town officials on climate resiliency and mitigation strategies
By fulfilling these roles, the commission will help identify funding sources, build stronger cases for funding needs, and support town leaders in pursuing and securing financial resources for flood mitigation and other climate resilience projects in Winthrop. The establishment of the Citizens Advisory Commission on Climate reflects Winthrop’s commitment to “future-proof” its community against the impacts of climate change.
The Commission will engage the community through various strategies aimed at fostering awareness, participation, and collaboration in addressing climate issues. Here are specific ways the commission plans to involve the community:
1. Public Outreach and Education: Prioritizing educating residents about local climate challenges, such as flooding and storm surge, by inviting scientists and researchers to public meetings. This will include sharing information on how climate change directly affects residents’ lives and neighborhoods, which can help build trust and encourage community involvement.
2. Consultative Tools: Utilizing online platforms, deploy surveys and polls to gather feedback from residents on proposed environmental policies and programs. This consultative approach allows the community to voice their opinions and contribute to the decision-making process.
3. Workshops and Public Meetings: The Commission will host public meetings to discuss climate issues and gather input from community members. These events can serve as forums for residents to share their concerns, ideas, and experiences related to climate change.
4. Involvement of Local Groups: The Commission will collaborate with local environmental organizations, such as Winthrop Mothers Out Front and Winthrop Working Together, to ensure that diverse community perspectives are represented in its initiatives. Engaging with established groups can help amplify outreach efforts and foster a sense of collective action.
5. Focus on Equity: The Commission will emphasize inclusive engagement, particularly with communities that are most impacted by climate change. This approach aims to address historical inequalities and ensure that all voices are heard in the climate action planning process.
6. Regular Updates and Communication: The commission will keep the community informed about its activities and progress through public meetings and announcements. This transparency will help maintain community interest and participation in climate initiatives.
By implementing these strategies, the Citizens Advisory Commission on Climate aims to create a collaborative environment where residents can actively participate in shaping climate resilience strategies for Winthrop.
??To get further involved with the Commission, please join our monthly meetings and events, which will be posted on our website (see link below).
https://www.winthropma.gov/630/Citizens-Advisory-Commission-on-Climate
If you have any questions, comments, or concerns that you would like to share with the Citizens Advisory Commission on Climate, please email us at: [email protected]
The Commission’s next meeting will be held on Monday, September 16th at 6pm in the Harvey Room of Winthrop Town Hall. At this meeting, our guest speaker, Conor Ofsthun of the Woods Hole Group, will provide an overview of the Feasibility Report for the proposed Morton Street Resilience Project and discuss Winthrop’s vulnerability to climate change.