Climate Change in Bedford ~ Climate Science, Mosquito Safety, and What's Next?

Welcoming the audience to the October 29 event – Click to view larger image

Where would you like to see effort to combat climate change focused in our community?

Moderator Erin Dorr with presenters Taissir Alani, Facilities Director; Michael Griffin, Bedford School Science Administrator; and Heidi Porter, Director of Health and Human Services – Click to view a larger image

The 40-50 attendees at the October 29, 2019 event, Climate Change in Bedford: Impact and Response brainstormed answers to that question at an event co-sponsored by Bedford’s Energy & Sustainability Committee and Bedford’s Mothers Out Front (whose mission is to build power as mothers to ensure a livable climate for all children).

Three town employees shared a wealth of information about climate science, mosquito/tick-related safety, and what the town is doing to prepare for the future.

Michael Griffin, Science Program Administrator for grades 6-12 at Bedford Public Schools, began with the big picture of global climate change. He explained why studying climate change is a scientific challenge and why we should care about it. Griffin discussed the impact of current and future global warming, starting broadly in the Northeast and then drilling down to Massachusetts and the potential impact on Bedford.
Heidi Porter, Director of Health and Human Services for the Town of Bedford, presented the town’s surveillance and control activities for mosquitoes and ticks with a focus on safety against insect-borne disease. The rate of insect-borne diseases rises as the climate warms. Specific information was shared about the 2019 Eastern Equine Encephalitis outbreak in Massachusetts and what the town is doing to monitor the situation and protect citizens.
Taissir Alani, Director of Facilities Management for the Town of Bedford, discussed the progress towards Net Zero for Bedford’s buildings and energy resiliency. Alani reported on the town’s Green Community status and recent energy efficiency projects, solar and energy storage considerations, proposed/future buildings for solar initiatives, current building projects, and specific examples for Bedford’s ten-year energy plan.

Erin Dorr of Bedford Mothers Out Front served as moderator, along with Michael Donnell, chair of Bedford’s Energy and Sustainability Committee. Frances Bigda-Peyton of Bedford Mothers Out Front facilitated the breakout group discussions.

Faces in the Crowd

Residents of Carleton-Willard Village attended the panel because they care about the environment, and about climate change – Click to view the full-sized image

Upcoming Events of Interest ~ November 14 and November 18

Suggestions generated by each group will be discussed at the 7 pm, November 14^th Energy and Sustainability Committee meeting at the Bedford Town Hall. This is an open meeting that interested residents are invited to attend.

Residents may also attend the next Bedford Mothers Out Front monthly meeting on November 18 at 6:45 pm.

Please contact Bedford Mothers Out Front co-chair Sue Swanson ([email protected], (781-275-2659) or co-chair Corinne Doud ([email protected]) for more details about the upcoming meeting or about Bedford Mothers Out Front (https://ma.mothersoutfront.org/bedford).