Yesterday, the Healey-Driscoll Administration unveiled the ResilientMass Plan, a comprehensive Statewide Hazard Mitigation and Climate Adaptation Plan. Detailed in an official press release of Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency, the plan outlines 142 actions across various state agencies to safeguard against rising extreme weather phenomena. This includes the creation of the Office of Climate Science and updates to state building and MBTA design standards.
The ResilientMass Plan not only equips Massachusetts for climate hazards but also positions the state for potential federal funding for continuing mitigation work. The high-priority climate-related problems faced by the state include inland flooding, heatwaves, and coastal flooding and erosion due to sea-level rise.
In light of previous weather catastrophes, Chief Melissa Hoffer said, "ResilientMass represents a whole-of-government approach towards a more resilient, healthy future."
Built on the evidence, science, and stakeholder input from the Massachusetts Climate Change Assessment, ResilientMass focuses on the foremost dangers posed by climate change. Specific lead agencies will handle these hazards, collaborating with other state and community partners on implementing the plan.
