There is no greater challenge facing Newton and city government then the threat of global climate change. Climate change is not an abstraction. Nearly every month in Newton is the warmest recorded. Canadian wildfires have diminished Newton’s air quality. We’ve experienced increased local flooding. In 2023, nearby Middlesex Fells reservation had record brush fires due to unusually dry weather.

Taking climate action must be a strategic goal that informs all city decisions and actions. Much climate action is outside the scope of what Newton can do. We cannot fund and build transit. We cannot regulate vehicle fuel economy. We cannot regulate energy sources.

But, there are unique opportunities for municipalities. We can make sound land-use policy. We can encourage more climate-friendly construction and energy use. We can take steps to reduce vehicle-miles-travelled by making it easier for households to live car-free or car-light household.

As a city councilor, I will ensure that the council understands all the opportunities we have to reduce greenhouse emissions. I will advocate for any and all initiatives to take effective climate action. And, I will make sure that we evaluate all city policy and action through the lens of climate change.