Climate Action Team

A group of concerned congregation members are working to lessen the effects of climate change on our planet. The current level of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide in our atmosphere has not been seen since the middle of the Pliocene epoch 4 million years ago when sea levels were 60 feet higher than today. Severe storms, drought, floods, fires and extremes weather are already occurring on our planet.  The Department of Defense has labelled climate change as a threat multiplier. The time for action is now!

The Climate Action Team is working to reduce the environmental impact of First Parish and also educating members to do the same with their individual homes and activities. Team members are also working with the wider community on local and national environmental issues. You are welcome to join our group!

Below are highlights from an Environmental legislation forum we hosted March 1, 2019.

Accomplishments:

Established a Green Sanctuary.

For more information, visit the Green Sanctuary page.

Outreach to local community and beyond

  1. Assisted in creating the Town of Framingham’s recycling drop off center and curbside recycling program in the late 1990s.
  2. Supported the effort that led to the Town of Framingham becoming designated as a Green Community by the State Energy and Environmental Division in 2013. The Town received a $400,000 grant from the State and is now carrying out actions to meet five designated energy conservation measures.
  3. Nine members marched in the September 28, 2014 New York City Climate March highlighting the need for tougher international regulations on climate change. 400,000 people from all over the world participated making it the largest climate demonstration to date.
  4. Supported the efforts of the newly formed Framingham Sustainability & Action Team (SEAT) to conserve town energy and make town activities more sustainable.
  5. Held environmental forums, showed films on climate change, made climate change presentations and supported ministerial sermons on sustainability themes.
  6. Host a booth at Annual Framingham Earth Day Festival, featuring information about climate change and opportunities for action.

Future Plans

  1. Support Boston and Massachusetts efforts to meet requirements of the Paris Climate Accord.
  2. Continue supporting the efforts of environmental organizations to combat climate change at national and global levels.
  3. Continue collaborating with 350.MA on state legislation to:
    • Place a price on carbon
    • Increase the Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard (RPS) from one to two percent
    • Raise the net metering cap on solar voltaic systems
    • Provide access for solar systems to low income communities.
  4. Continue collaborating with Transition Framingham to create a more energy efficient and sustainable community.
  5. Continue holding environmental forums, making climate change presentations and supporting sermons on sustainability.