interstitialRedirectModalTitle

interstitialRedirectModalMessage

interstitialRedirectModalRedirectCTA
interstitialRedirectModalDismissCTA
Skip to content

Massachusetts

Climate Change

TNC is taking meaningful action to slow climate change and address its impacts in Massachusetts.

Aerial view of forested mountains in Western Massachusetts.
Forests of Massachusetts Forestland in Heath, Massachusetts. © Jerry and Marcy Monkman/EcoPhotography

What we do between now and 2030 will determine whether we can slow warming enough to avoid climate change’s worst impacts. We must drastically cut emissions and, at the same time, remove the carbon we’ve already put into the atmosphere. Fortunately, trees, plants, soils and the ocean naturally absorb and store carbon, making nature one of our best tools to remove carbon pollution.

2030 Goals by the Numbers

  • Black outlined icon of a carbon dioxide molecule.

    1.2 M

    metric tons of CO2 emissions removed per year.

  • Black outlined icon of a wind turbine.

    50%

    reduction of emissions from the 1990 baseline.

  • Black outlined icon of a pine leaf and people in front of it.

    2 M

    people helped from climate-related emergencies.

We are rapidly scaling up natural climate solutions strategy to avoid the most catastrophic impacts of climate change on people and nature, and we are supporting decarbonization through advocacy and shaping policy around climate funding and renewable energy.

Despite the efforts we have made, the impacts of climate change are already touching down in our communities, making adaptation another critical part of our strategy. The Nature Conservancy in Massachusetts is working with communities and partner organizations to advance nature-based solutions for minimizing climate change impacts and strengthening communities’ defenses and safety.

A living shoreline of marsh grass separates the ocean from a path and some buildings along Collins Cove in Salem.
© Emma Gildesgame/TNC

Nature-Based Solutions (NbS)

Using nature or natural systems, on their own or in conjunction with traditional built infrastructure, can solve challenges like flooding, pollution, water quality, erosion and more. These solutions work with nature to help communities adapt to the climate-caused challenges they're experiencing.

Spotlight: Natural Climate Solutions

A type of nature-based solution

Protecting natural systems—especially forests in Massachusetts—is the most efficient natural climate solution, since clearing and developing these lands both releases the carbon they store and destroys their ability to continually remove carbon from the air. See how TNC in Massachusetts is using nature-based solutions to reduce carbon pollution.

Did you know? Healthy forests:

  • A box turtle with a brown and yellow shell and a red eye looks up to the left with greenery in the background.

    Ensure

    clean air and water while supporting biodiversity.

  • Three people walk in the woods with a sign attached to a tree in the upper left corner.

    Provide

    flood protection and recreational opportunities for nearby communities.

  • Aerial view of forested land below with lots of green trees.

    Absorb

    carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it long term.

Much of TNC in Massachusetts' contribution from natural climate solutions is via protecting, managing and restoring forests, because these lands have the most potential for carbon sequestration and storage in the state. However, there are opportunities around wetlands and agricultural soils too.

Laura Marx

Climate Solutions Scientist, TNC in Massachusetts
Laura Marx, wearing a purple rain jacket and black glasses places her right hand on a tree and looks up at it.
Natural Climate Solutions Forests are key for carbon storage in Massachusetts. By protecting, managing and restoring lands we can stay on track to meet climate goals. © Lauren Owens Lambert

Learn More About Natural Climate Solutions

Benefits of Natural Climate Solutions (2:25) By investing in the oldest carbon-capture technology – photosynthesis – nature itself can help reduce carbon emissions. Natural Climate Solutions, which include the protection, management and restoration of forests, is key to ensuring this happens.

More Climate Change Stories

See more examples of how we're using nature to tackle climate impacts.

Proactive Relocation Away from Rising Waters

What can we do for Massachusetts communities on the front lines of flood risk to set them up for a safer, more resilient future?

Connecting Lands for Climate Resilience

TNC data shows which landscapes will support plants and animals as the climate changes. We're working to protect them.

Using Nature to Reduce Carbon Pollution

Forests, wetlands and farms play an important role in tackling climate change by storing large amounts of carbon. Not to mention the other benefits they provide for people and nature.

Experimental Solutions to Reduce Nitrogen Pollution on Cape Cod

Too much nitrogen in our waterways threatens our drinking water, economy, recreation opportunities and human health. New pilot programs are working with nature to change that.

Harnessing Nature’s Designs

The Nature Conservancy and partners are learning how nature can reduce coastal erosion.