In recognition of the critical intersection of environmental and racial justice, I plan to ensure that communities and workers most affected by climate change lead the transition to a green economy.
Background
The 2021 Resilient Cambridge Plan, and the 2015 & 2017 Climate Change Vulnerability Assessments for the City of Cambridge have affirmed what we already knew: climate change is already impacting our city, and the impacts will become much more severe in the future if we do not take immediate action. As a Councillor, I would take bold action to directly address the climate crisis by reviving our tree canopy, investing in green infrastructure, and bringing Cambridge a Green New Deal.
Reviving the Tree Canopy
As the climate crisis worsens, urban areas that are historically void of tree canopy will suffer the most. By 2070, Cambridge areas like East Cambridge, Kendall Square, Riverside, and Alewife-Fresh Pond may find themselves partially underwater due to intense flooding. To combat impending rising temperatures and flooding, I pledge to invest in both protecting and expanding the tree canopy. Furthermore, I support City Councillor Quinton Zondervan’s efforts to establish a more permanent policy that disincentivizes the cutting of existing trees, and I support bolstering the enforcement of these policies.
Environmental Justice as Housing Justice
It is also critical to recognize the intersection of the housing and environmental crises. Climate change disproportionately impacts lower-income communities, and Cambridge is no exception. In June, residents in public housing were left without access to AC in the midst of a heat wave. This is unacceptable. With temperatures rising and heatwaves becoming the norm, we are obligated to care for our most vulnerable by working towards systemic solutions to climate change. As a Councillor, I will work with citywide stakeholders at the intersection of the environmental and housing crises to ensure that all residents are cared for, especially those in the elderly, disabled, and low-income communities. Read more on my housing policy here. Further, we can incorporate “rewilding” strategies and similar pro-environment initiatives into new housing development proposals, in order to help offset the negative ecological and climate impacts of such development.
Green Infrastructure
An increase in extreme weather events and flooding is a very real problem communities are going to face, especially along the coast. The areas most affected by flooding will be the Alewife-Fresh Pond area, East Cambridge, Kendall Square, and low-lying areas of Riverside. Inland flooding close to Charles River’s juncture could cause river water to back up through storm drainage pipes and discharge into the streets, causing damage to surrounding infrastructure. Investing in our city’s infrastructure now, we can mitigate the current impacts of climate change and build for a more resilient future. Here is a map that outlines the areas that will be affected by flooding:
I will push to incentivize the implementation of greener infrastructure through the following actions:
Transform underutilized and vacant spaces in Cambridge into climate solutions by installing rain gardens, bioswales, and permeable pavement.
Create more green spaces.
Increase the availability of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations.
Support of the 2019 Cambridge Climate Change Preparedness and Resilience Plan that will prepare the community for the impacts of climate change while also fighting back against these impacts.
Environmental Justice as Racial Justice
In recognition of the critical intersection of environmental and racial justice, I plan to ensure that communities and workers most affected by climate change lead the transition to a green economy. This issue hits home in Cambridge. Our most vulnerable neighborhoods, like the Port, already regularly experience the adverse effects of climate change. I am a proud signatory to Councillor Zondervan's Green New Deal Zoning Petition. Further, I recognize the importance of considering neighborhood demographics, including race, when making decisions around polluting facilities, housing segregation, public health policies, such as those around COVID-19, and public transit system design. I aim to ensure that residents traditionally left out of decision-making processes can access environmentally-related processes and benefits.
We had a great meet and greet with Sunrise Cambridge in the Cambridgeport neighborhood! Thank you all for your incredible activism in support of a greener Cambridge! The Sunrise Movement is a youth movement to stop climate change and create millions of good jobs in the process. I am thrilled to have received their endorsement, and that of the Sierra Club, in this campaign.
A Green New Deal for Cambridge
By 2070, Cambridge may experience nearly 3 months of 90°F temperatures. Addressing the climate crisis is urgent, and we have the power to act. Cambridge needs a Green New Deal.
As a Councilor I will:
Move the city to net-zero carbon emissions by adopting building electrification requirements, increasing green building design requirements, and pushing for adopting the Net Zero Energy Stretch Code.
Advocate for electrification of public transportation vehicles and additional bike lanes as an alternative to cars (read more on my transportation policy here).
Craft sustainability guidelines for Cambridge workplaces and small businesses.
Develop a job training program to maintain new sustainable infrastructure and ensure all Cantabrigians reap the benefits of a green economy.