Climate change is accelerating rapidly. Extreme heat is the deadliest natural hazard in the U.S. “Heat islands” in the built environment amplify average temperatures and extreme heat, especially near major highways. This affects every Newton neighborhood.
The National Climate Assessment shows more flooding in the Northeast, where the most extreme storms are generating 27% more moisture than a century ago. Climate change increases the likelihood of hurricanes, extreme storms, and more flooding, as seen last summer.
Newton faces additional flooding hazards from our 19th century infrastructure and “fixes” to nature’s flood mitigation — like culverted and covered streams and filled-in wetlands. We must approach zoning with a focus on extreme weather and flooding, mapping out the most vulnerable areas. We ignore this at our peril.
Trees and green spaces reduce stormwater, pollutants, temperatures, and noise; absorb carbon dioxide; encourage urban wildlife and recreation; increase property values; and mitigate erosion. Larger, older trees intercept more stormwater.
Most development, especially infill development, removes existing vegetation and adds impermeable surfaces – sidewalks, driveways, plazas, roof surfaces – that increase temperatures and the risk of flooding. Urban density creates corridors that block wind and trap heat. Removing trees and green spaces releases stored carbon and undermines future carbon storage.
All of Newton, especially near Mass Pike, is rapidly losing tree canopy and green space. Zoning reform that fails to address this increases our vulnerability to climate change and its effects on health and property.
Zoning reform must incentivize green space conservation and not leave it to “market forces.” Boston, Columbus, and Washington DC are making zoning changes that build in resiliency and address climate change. Our upcoming zoning changes must be climate ready. We must not leave it to developers to decide. The stakes are too high.
Margaret Albright
West Newton
