Blog
January 3, 2020 | It’s Time for New England to Ditch Fracked GasEver winter, as the cold rolls in and New Englanders turn up their heat, the gas industry starts calling for more pipelines. But if we want to avoid a climate catastrophe, we need to end fossil fuel use—including the use of fracked gas—by 2050 at the very latest. |  |
January 1, 2020 | We Have 10 Years to Beat Climate Change. Here’s Why I’m Hopeful.CLF is no stranger to tough fights and seemingly impossible odds. In our 50-plus-year history, we’ve taken on – and taken down – Goliaths, from Big Coal to Big Gas. Here’s what we have learned from the biggest battles of the past decade – and what we must, and will, do before we reach 2030. |  |
December 31, 2019 | How Your Voice Can Make a DifferenceAfter a moving encounter with a right whale, CLF member Vi Patek joined our lawsuit to protect the endangered species. Members like Vi — and you — are essential to our work going to court and defending, enforcing, and enacting important environmental protections. |  |
December 24, 2019 | COP25 Focused on Formality to the Detriment of the PlanetAlthough world leaders met in Madrid this month to discuss how to lower global emissions, the gap in ambition between the negotiation rooms and the side events was stark. It highlighted how important it is to take action at the local level—for instance, passing state-level climate laws and advocating for clean energy in New England. |  |
December 23, 2019 | Fighting for Clean Air in ConnecticutIf you live anywhere near a school, you have likely seen buses idling while waiting for students to board or exit. Unfortunately, this routine practice can translate to serious health problems for kids and adults. Building on prior cases against tailpipe polluters, we recently announced a lawsuit against DATTCO, Inc. to force their buses to stop idling their engines and polluting neighborhoods with toxic diesel exhaust. |  |
December 18, 2019 | Overfishing of Cod Continues UnabatedAtlantic cod has been overfished for decades, but at their most recent meeting, New England’s regional fishery managers recommended new catch limits that will further harm cod’s chance of recovery. This plan, called Framework 59, ignores the law and science. |  |
December 18, 2019 | Swapping Out One Unnecessary Evil for AnotherAfter decades of warnings about the various health and environmental risks linked to polystyrene foam, corporate America is just now lending an ear. While some restaurants and coffee shops were quick to swap out polystyrene foam cups for paper ones, others have reacted more slowly – including coffee and donut giants, Honey Dew and Dunkin’.… Continue reading Swapping Out One Unnecessary Evil for Another |  |
December 16, 2019 | Researchers Bring the Power of Data HomeCLF’s Healthy Neighborhoods Study shows that health goes beyond one’s diet or exercise regime. A healthy community has engaged, active residents who believe they can influence changes in their neighborhood that directly impact their lives. In 2018, our data found that health is linked to social support, housing stability, and even civic engagement and community… Continue reading Researchers Bring the Power of Data Home |  |
December 16, 2019 | What Does It Mean to Use Research for Action?We know that where you live matters for your health. Our community partners understand this firsthand because they live it every day. This past summer, the communities that participated in our Healthy Neighborhoods Study – Chelsea, Everett, Lynn, New Bedford, Fall River, Brockton, Roxbury, Dorchester, and Mattapan – turned that research data into action by sharing the results to make a difference where they live. |  |
December 13, 2019 | On Boston’s Waterfront, Climate Resiliency and Public Access Go Hand in HandWe recently headed out to Boston’s Seaport district to remind the people who live and work there about the unique challenges the neighborhood faces due to its waterfront location. our annual reminder took the form of a message projected onto prominent outdoor spots in the neighborhood. We called for action to make the Seaport – and all of Boston – resilient in the face of the climate impacts, like sea level rise, that we know are coming. |  |