This webinar will feature short presentations and a panel discussion exploring the intersection of climate change, heat, and public health in Greater Boston. The forum is hosted by the Museum of Science (MOS), Metropolitan Planning Council (MAPC) and Mystic River Watershed Association (MyRWA), with support from the Massachusetts Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Program. 

Summer temperatures in the Northeast are increasing; June, July and August 2020 were the hottest summer months on record in Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer, and, one week before, Monday evening’s public forum will kick off “Heat Preparedness Week” – five days of activities and talks focused on topics and projects related to rising and extreme temperatures in the region. Considered one of the deadliest weather events in the US, extreme heat can exacerbate existing health conditions and affects various populations unequally, with impacts greater in low-income neighborhoods with less access to green space, fewer street trees and inadequate housing and cooling infrastructure. Discussion of ways to lessen impacts in these areas will be a key focus of the week.  

Speakers:

Mia Mansfield (Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs): Welcome remarks

Jeanette Pantoja (MAPC): Heat, Health, and Climate Change

Sara Benson (Museum of Science, Boston) and Joey Williams (CAPA Strategies): Wicked Hot Mystic

Patricia Fabian (Boston University), Ibrahim López-Hernández (GreenRoots), and Ben Cares (City of Chelsea): Indoor Heat and Social Vulnerabilities

Zoe Davis (City of Boston): City of Boston Heat Resilience Study

The discussion will be moderated by Melanie Gárate of the Mystic River Watershed Association (MyRWA) and Sasha Shyduroff of the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC). Reach out to them with questions at melanie.garate@mysticriver.org and sshyduroff@mapc.org.