Building long term resilience in Massachusetts
In the face of climate change, Massachusetts recognized it is critical to build long-term resilience
Natural hazards, new extremes, a state-wide response
The 2018 Massachusetts State Hazard Mitigation and Climate Action Plan is a state-wide plan integrating a traditional hazard mitigation plan with a climate change adaptation plan. It expands upon previous State planning efforts, integrating planning elements for 14 natural hazards that could affect Massachusetts. Projected climate changes including changes in precipitation, sea level rise, rising temperatures, and extreme weather will alter these natural hazards, increasing their severity, duration, or frequency.
Delivering five critical goals
The strategy was guided by a mission statement and five goals and includes a series of specific hazard mitigation and climate adaptation actions across five key sectors: populations, government, built environment, natural resources/environment, and economy. The strategy development process included evaluating existing capabilities, extensive stakeholder engagement, and development of prioritized actions by the state agencies and climate change coordinators across all secretariats.
An award-winning plan
The plan informs stakeholders that climate change is already worsening natural hazards and extreme weather events, identifies risks and vulnerabilities, and establishes a process for implementing the plan’s strategy and prioritized actions. This FEMA-lauded, award-winning plan is designed for continuous evolution, learning through implementation, and continuing to engage stakeholders.