The MAPC and the MBTA are partnering together to create a ‘resilience roadmap’ against climate change

By Hannah Woods
The Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) and Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority (MBTA) hosted a virtual meeting over Zoom on National Green City Day. The meeting discussed the MAPC’s partnership with the MBTA and plans for climate action.
Eric Bourassa, transportation director for the MAPC, said the MBTA is becoming electrified. In July, the MBTA Board of Directors approved a $54 million plan bringing battery-electric train service to the Fairmount Commuter Rail Line. This “will ultimately result in more frequent service and lower emissions in surrounding communities,” according to the MBTA’s news post.
Senior Director of Climate Policy and Planning for the MBTA Kat Eshel stated the MBTA produced less than 2% of transportation emissions statewide and around 10% of emissions in the Boston Metropolitan area.
Eshal also said the MBTA has gone through over 150 documents and plans, over 40 state and federal regulations and policies and engaged over 50 staff from over 20 departments through interviews and workshops.
The MBTA’s sustainability statement says, “We invest resources wisely in solutions for our team, our communities and our environment.”
Lynsey Heffernan, chief of policy and strategic planning for the MBTA, said it is better to work together. “Transit is a climate solution,” Heffernan added.
As a “climate solution,” the MBTA works toward providing reliable and safe transportation and making those services accessible in a changing climate.
“Integrating past and current work is key,” said Director of Climate and Sustainability Planning for the MBTA Caroline Bean.
The MBTA Climate Assessment was released Thursday led by a new team including Eshel. The assessment details work already underway by the MBTA and next steps regarding sustainability and resilience against climate change.
Kat Eshel listed four main hazards the MBTA may face due to climate change: coastal flooding, heavy rain, extreme temperatures and heavy winds. Several speakers from the panel noted hurricane Helene in North Carolina, how similar damage is possible in Massachusetts. Eshel adds that current “tunnel portals” may be a solution to flooding.
The MAPC announced in March the Priority Climate Action Plan (PCAP) as part of the Greater Boston Climate Action Plan. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency funds the plan through the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant program. With “additional funds,” Eric Bourassa explains, the MAPC is likely to implement more resilience to climate change in the fall with the PCAP.
The PCAP establishes goals for the fall,as well as structure goals for 2030 and 2050 following the Global Warming Solutions Act.