The beautiful city of Boston in the USA (indeed named after settlers in the same-named town in Lincolnshire) has suffered like most cities, from severe flooding.
But rather than just ‘go with the flow’ and listen to climate deniers (like President Trump and his merry men), mayor Michelle Wu has created the country’s first Climate Resilience Plan for a city, which is having huge positive effects. And could also be used here, to prevent floods in England.
It’s working with Stone Living Lab on innovative solutions like:
- Cobble Berms are mounds of sediment, built to reinforce coastal dunes and protect them from erosion caused by wave energy and storms.
- Living Seawalls creates modular habitat panels, that mimic natural features, to help marine life survive and thrive near urban shorelines.
The project is being funded by local taxes. Republican governor Ron DeSantis (who campaigned for the 2024 Presidency before endorsing Trump) worryingly recently erased the words ‘climate change’ from state laws, saying it was linked to ‘radical green zealots’. Despite the sunshine state suffering record floods, rainfall and hurricanes in the last year. It’s also just had its hottest year since 1895.
Greg Knecht (director of Florida’s Nature Conservancy) says that most Floridians do believe in and want action on climate change, if only for pragmatic reasons. He says this Bill is ‘very much out of line with public opinion’.
I can say I don’t believe in gravity. But if I step off a cliff, I’m still going down. Hurricanes are getting stronger, heavy rainfall is more frequent, home insurance is going up. Katharine Hayhoe (chief scientist, Nature Conservancy)
Raising the Waterfront to Stop Flooding
Boston lies at the edge of the Atlantic, so tidal flooding and storm surges keep city planners on their toes. Parts of East Boston and South Boston now have higher parks and raised roads. The city uses plants and green spaces to soak up the extra water.
Planners design these green areas to double up as public spaces while also acting as a shield during bad weather. These projects cut down risk for shops, homes, and the people who live nearby.
Strong Building Codes for New Homes
Boston updated its building rules to demand higher standards. New buildings must use stronger materials, sit above flood lines, and handle strong winds. This move makes new homes and offices safer when storms hit.
These codes also ask for better insulation, strong windows, and backup power for lifts and lights. It keeps the city’s famous skyline intact while giving people more safety in wild weather.
Green Infrastructure in Everyday Life
Public parks, gardens, and plants play a big part in Boston’s fight against climate change. The city plants trees in neighbourhoods short on shade and updates playgrounds and sports fields with better drainage. Roofs in schools and offices sport grass, small trees, and solar panels.
These changes reduce heat, clean the air, and manage rainwater. Families spend more time outside, while the city saves money on water and cooling.
If planting green spaces, read about pet-friendly gardens and wildlife-friendly gardens. And trees to avoid near horses (including yew, oak and sycamore).
More Clean & Green Public Transport
Boston’s trains, buses, and even ferries now use cleaner energy. The city replaces diesel buses with electric ones and adds more bike lanes and walking paths. Extra trains during busy hours help more people leave their cars at home.
The city’s “Bluebikes” scheme lets anyone borrow a bike for quick trips. These improvements cut down on smog and carbon emissions, making the air fresher for kids and grown-ups alike.
Cool Zones and Green Spaces
Heatwaves in Boston have become a common problem. The city answers with “cool zones” in community centres, libraries, and pools open to the public free of charge. Workers hand out cold water and help people find safe spots during heat warnings.
New parks and rooftop gardens bring down city temperatures, making a walk outside bearable when the mercury climbs. These actions help older people, children, and those with health problems stay safe.
Planning for Climate Justice and Fairness
Boston faces real gaps in health, money, and race when it comes to climate risks. City leaders work with neighbourhood groups to listen to people most at risk. Planners spend more in areas with poor housing, old pipes, and fewer trees.
The city also pushes job training in solar, carpentry, and weatherproofing. This keeps local money and skills in the community and gives everyone a fair shot at a safe future.
Education and Community Support
Schools teach climate change and disaster prep from a young age, so children know what to do. Community organisations lead fire drills, flood plans, and “know your neighbour” events.
People get updates by text and on social media if storms, heat, or floods are on the way. These steps help reduce panic and get help to the people who need it most, fast.
Clean Beaches for Health and Fun
Boston’s beaches are gems for locals and tourists. Regular clean-ups, strict pollution control, and safe water testing help Boston’s shoreline shine. This is what happens, when a city puts health and happiness first. These efforts help marine life and give families a safe place to swim, surf, and relax.
Read our post on keeping dogs safe by the seaside.
A Truly Progressive Green Mayor
A Harvard graduate, Mayor Mu is a hopeful bright light for the future. The youngest-ever (Asian) Mayor (she was elected at just 36), she is expected to soon win a second term for her popularity in fighting off Trump’s attacks, despite her rival spending millions of dollars on his campaign. She often works alongside her infant daughter!
She has also been instrumental in passing laws to protect local wetlands, and a plastic bag ban (at a time when President Trump has just signed an act to bring back plastic straws). She even delayed her studies to care for her sick mother, before moving into political life.
Interestingly (and a strong defence to her right-wing critics), Wu is a practicing Catholic, whose action on climate change is a response to Pope Francis’ call that it is a sacred duty to protect God’s planet.. One Boston professor says that she has become ‘a symbol of democratic resistance to the President’.
Other Things Michelle Has Done as Mayor
- Diverted City funds from fossil fuels to a Community Choice Energy Program
- Secured funding for thousands of new jobs to protect Boston’s coastline.
- Doubled the number of Boston’s street trees each year.
- Offered free bus transport on some routes
- Improved family leave (both mothers and fathers)
- Given free entry to many museums for children
- Renovated 20 public parks
- Filled over 18,000 potholes
