Help Shape Chatham’s Climate Future: Join the Conversation on Rising Sea Levels and Local Solutions!

Coastal roads in Chatham are flooding more frequently. Beaches are eroding. Storms are stronger than ever. These changes, driven by climate change, are hard to ignore. In response, town leaders are engaging the local community to help tackle these challenges.

The Chatham Climate Action Network and the Energy and Climate Action Committee have joined forces for a community survey. They want to hear from residents about their experiences and concerns regarding climate change. Greg Berman, Natural Resources Director, emphasized the importance of local input. “We need to understand what matters most to our community as we plan for the future,” he said.

The survey includes twelve questions aimed at gathering local perspectives. This feedback will guide the town’s plans over the next five years as they work to reduce emissions and enhance coastal resilience. Berman believes community-driven strategies will better reflect local values and priorities.

The survey’s focus comes from the 2022 Massachusetts Climate Change Assessment, which highlights risks relevant to Cape Cod. Some major concerns include rising ocean temperatures, increasing sea levels, and more destructive storms. Additionally, communities are facing droughts and health risks from hotter temperatures.

In fact, Chatham is already feeling the effects. Rising tides and coastal storms have damaged vital infrastructure and access points. Certain roads are becoming impassable, even without storms, due to high tides and erosion. Berman points out the urgency of developing strategies to protect resources that define Chatham.

Residents participating in the survey will consider questions on how climate change affects them personally. They will express concerns about rising insurance costs and discuss support for new resilience measures. Possible actions could include:

• Assessing risks for vulnerable neighborhoods.
• Strengthening regulations for flood-prone areas.
• Identifying septic systems at risk from rising groundwater.
• Developing shoreline management strategies.
• Increasing emergency preparedness outreach.
• Educating the public about coastal risks.

The first survey runs until July 20, with a second one planned later this year to focus on energy use and emission reductions.

Recent data shows that over 70% of Cape Cod residents are concerned about climate change and its impact on their communities. Engaging locals in this conversation not only enhances community trust but also fosters a shared sense of responsibility.

For those interested in participating in the Chatham Community Climate Survey, it can be found here.

By focusing on local experiences and scientist recommendations, this initiative aims to drive impactful change. As communities like Chatham face the reality of climate change, working together will be key to building a more resilient future.

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