June 9th, 2025: What Are We Doing Next 5 Years? New and Different
We’re unveiling a powerful new tool that exposes the truth about heat pumps, EVs, and solar in our communities—data that flips the script on local climate progress. With the political landscape shifting, old tactics won’t cut it. Join Fred Davis as he shares a bold strategy for grassroots action that could shape our climate future. This goes beyond Massachusetts. It’s about proving that real change starts locally—and having the courage to act when it matters most.
Watch the recording here:
Go to this directory to view slides and notes
May 22nd, 2025: Better Future Project with Alan Palm
Join Alan Palm, Executive Director of Better Future Project, as he shares inspiring strategies for creating change from the ground up. Discover how Communities Responding to Extreme Weather (CREW) is building community resilience, learn about 350 Mass's impactful climate action campaigns, explore the Make Polluters Pay initiative, and see how multi-issue coalitions are driving transformative change at the state and local level. This is your roadmap for turning resistance into action and hope into reality.
Watch the recording here:
View slides
April 7th, 2025: Pollution, Our Health, and Our Climate
Discover how to combat pollution and protect public health. Dr. Phil Landrigan, renowned pediatrician and public health advocate, revealed the crucial links between pollution, health, and climate threats. Jerry Halberstadt shared insights on the Healthy Air for All Program, and Tristan Thomas and Emmanuell De Barros highlighted ACE's impressive 25-year fight for environmental justice in Roxbury.
Watch the recording here:
View slides from: Landrigan ACE HealthyAirForAll
March 5th, 2025: MBTA and Climate, Kat Eshel and Lynsey Heffernan
Kat Eshel and Lynsey Heffernan will be discussing the MBTA's recent Climate Assessment, taking stock of its climate commitments and work undertaken to date and articulating a vision for sustainability and resilience at the MBTA. Like other transit authorities across the state, the MBTA is working to balance climate, safety, accessibility and other goals within significant funding constraints.
Watch the recording here:
View slides
January 14th, 2025: Facing the Federal Fight, Steve Nadel, ACEEE
For four decades, ACEEE has championed U.S. energy policy. Executive Director Steve Nadel brings 40+ years of expertise to analyze the incoming Administration's agenda. ACEEE's impactful work has strengthened the economy and reduced energy costs—from establishing the first appliance standards in 1987 to securing major investments in the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act.
Watch the recording here:
December 9th, 2024: New Climate Bill review, Dan Zackin
Massachusetts had a brand new climate bill signed by Gov. Healey 11/21/24. Your activism played a key role in its passage! What were some of the key touchstones of the bill? Where did we go from there? Dan Zackin, 350 Mass Legislative Coordinator, provided a roundup.
Watch the recording here:
View the slides here
November 14th, 2024: Innovating with Embodied Carbon: Case Studies & Community Insights
We invited participants to an engaging meeting where we spotlighted case studies of buildings in Massachusetts that had successfully incorporated embodied carbon in design and construction. Attendees discovered innovative strategies and inspiring successes in tackling embodied carbon emissions. The event included an interactive survey, with a chance for participants to share developments in their towns. We aimed to help make best practices scalable and replicable. It was an opportunity to connect, learn, and move towards a greener future!
Watch the recording here:
October 8th, 2024: Community First Partnerships, Mamadou Balde, John Massie
MCAN's powerful forum spotlighted the Community First Partnership, a vital initiative tackling crushing energy costs for vulnerable Massachusetts residents. The program harnessed the power of local connections to boost participation in Mass Save's efficiency offerings. By targeting renters, landlords, low-income households, non-English speakers, and small businesses, the Partnership transformed communities—cutting energy bills, improving air quality, and creating more comfortable spaces where Massachusetts families could thrive.
Watch the recording here:
September 16th, 2024: Climate Leader Community Program, Joanne Bissetta
Joanne Bissetta shared insights on DOER's Climate Leader Communities program and Green Communities expansion. She discussed program requirements, available resources, and highlighted that 20 communities received decarbonization roadmap assistance. Joanne noted upcoming Town Meeting votes on specialized code and mentioned the first round of Climate Leader grants would be announced soon. A veteran of the Green Communities Division since 2009, Joanne spearheaded the Climate Leaders program development.
Watch the recording here:
September 12th, 2024: EJ Speaker Series: Green Jobs Are Good Jobs, Hessann Farooqi
Hessann Farooqi from Boston Climate Action Network, presented a compelling vision of climate and labor movement collaboration that accelerated the clean energy transition while completing infrastructure projects efficiently and creating family-sustaining careers. He explored BCAN's established partnership with labor organizations through the Green Justice Coalition and highlighted recent environmental initiatives championed by Massachusetts labor groups.
Watch the recording here:
August 21st, 2024: EJ Speaker Series: Climate Resilience and Climate Justice, Vernon Walker
The powerful link between climate resilience and climate justice demonstrated why organizing was essential. Participants discovered how these interconnected concepts strengthened the climate justice movement by uniting mitigation and adaptation advocates.
Reverend Vernon K. Walker, Climate Justice Program Director for Clean Water Action and Associate Minister at Massachusetts Avenue Baptist Church, shared insights drawn from his decade of Boston-area organizing experience focused on racial and climate justice intersections.
Watch the recording here:
August 15th, 2024: Embodied Carbon for Local Activists: Current Status
Dive into the World of Embodied Carbon: Local Activists' Insider Guide! Unpack key insights from our recent Summit, celebrate Challenge winners, explore cutting-edge technical tools, and learn about municipal strategies reshaping carbon policy.
Watch the recording here:
August 5th, 2024: Private Jets and Hanscom, Mark Sandeen
Mark Sandeen, a key member of HATS, talked about Private Jets and Climate, highlighting the interim victory and latest developments on the DEIR, while offering valuable insights on successful grassroots advocacy strategies. The second half of the hour was opened for local networks to share their successes and challenges. Register to access this informative session.
Watch the recording here:
July 18th, 2024: EJ Speaker Series: Energy Affordability, Mary Wambui
Massachusetts stood at a crucial energy decision point. While climate initiatives transformed Mass-Save, the DPU, and utilities, we overlooked critical questions about who owned and controlled these resources. Did we perpetuate systems of inequality or build something truly equitable? The choice affected our health, environment, jobs, and economic future. Mary Wambui helped lead this vital conversation. As an affordable housing expert, Massachusetts Energy Efficiency Advisory Council member, and recognized advocate for energy equity, she brought a unique perspective from her roles across housing, policy, and community work. Originally from Kenya and guided by faith, Wambui's leadership spanned multiple influential organizations while she pursued passions for music, mentorship, and community service.
Watch the recording here:
July 1st, 2024: Legislative update on MA climate bills, Dan Zackin
Dan Zackin (he/him), Legislative Coordinator of 350 Mass, delivered an insightful legislative update on Massachusetts climate bills, highlighting critical developments and offering strategic recommendations for action. As the session progressed, attention shifted decisively to the House, where the fate of these crucial environmental initiatives would ultimately be determined.
Watch the recording here:
June 3rd, 2024: Legislative update on MA climate bills, Claire Karl Müller
Claire Karl B.W. Müller (they/them) of UU Mass Action Network provided a comprehensive legislative update on Massachusetts climate bills, outlining key developments and presenting strategic action recommendations with just 55 days remaining in the legislative session. Their timely briefing emphasized the urgency of the moment while highlighting Mass Power Forward's upcoming Lobby Day on June 20th as a critical opportunity for citizen engagement.
Watch the recording here:
May 16th, 2024: Embodied Carbon Reduction Challenge
MCAN's May Better Buildings Advocates (BBA) webinar offered a one-of-a-kind opportunity: climate advocates had a few days left to participate in this amazing program assembled by MassCEC and Built Environment Plus. The Embodied Carbon Reduction Challenge revealed how embodied carbon was currently being addressed in sixteen actual Massachusetts building projects. Bev and Irene guided participants through, and encouraged voting for favorite projects. It was a great way to gain familiarity before the next school/municipal project, whether construction or renovation.
Watch the recording here:
May 6th, 2024: Mass-Save 3-Year Plan, Mark Dyen, Hessann Farooqi
MCAN's May Monthly Networking Zoom addressed the critical next 3-year $5B plan for the Mass-Save program. Climate experts Mark Dyen (JCAN, Gas Transition Allies, 350Mass) and Hessann Farooqi (Executive Director, Boston Climate Action Network) advised on the plan, what it meant for our climate and equity work, and shared specific actions they recommended for immediate impact. Participants gained valuable insights on how to influence this transformative funding initiative
Watch the recording here:
April 18th, 2024: Embodied Carbon: Jodi Smits Anderson
Jodi Smits Anderson, a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects, brought her expertise as a LEED AP BD+C and WELL-AP practitioner to our discussion on embodied carbon. She served on the Boards of both NESEA and the U.S. Green Building Council, and was honored with the Green Building Advocate award in 2018. Her work with Project Drawdown highlighted her commitment to climate solutions. A respected voice at energy conferences, Jodi recently presented "A Revolution in Embodied Carbon: Four Pivotal Materials" at Building Energy Boston 2024.
Watch the recording here:
April 1st, 2024: Environmental Voter Project, Shannon Seigal
Shannon Seigal, Organizing Director for the Environmental Voter Project, led our Monthly Networking Zoom session. Participants learned how communities mobilized highly effective, proven, nonpartisan voter campaigns to increase climate voter turnout. Climate was on the line leading up to November, making this an impactful action for Earth Day programming.
Watch the recording here:
March 4th, 2024: Omnibus Climate Bill, Roger Luckmann, ECA
The recent Zoom webinar on the 2024 Omnibus Climate Bill legislation featured experts Dr. Roger Luckmann and Ed Woll, who unpacked the bill's details and shared effective advocacy strategies. Participants also engaged in valuable discussions about ongoing grassroots climate campaigns in their local communities.
Watch the recording here:
December 14th, 2023: MA Municipality Cohort: Policy Coordination Focus on Embodied Carbon
Massachusetts Climate Action Network and Rocky Mountain Institute proudly hosted a Municipality Cohort on Embodied Carbon Policy for municipal officials and their colleagues. Participants gained critical knowledge, coordinated with state jurisdictions, and developed actionable policies through four virtual sessions held between September and December 2023. This valuable program equipped local leaders with cutting-edge expertise in embodied carbon policy implementation.
Watch the recording here:
November 15th, 2023: MA Municipality Cohort: Industry Stakeholder Forum
Massachusetts Climate Action Network and Rocky Mountain Institute proudly hosted a Municipality Cohort on Embodied Carbon Policy for municipal officials and their colleagues. Participants gained critical knowledge, coordinated with state jurisdictions, and developed actionable policies through four virtual sessions held between September and December 2023. This valuable program equipped local leaders with cutting-edge expertise in embodied carbon policy implementation.
Watch the recording here:
October 18th, 2023: MA Municipality Cohort: You Can’t Manage What You Don’t Measure
Massachusetts Climate Action Network and Rocky Mountain Institute proudly hosted a Municipality Cohort on Embodied Carbon Policy for municipal officials and their colleagues. Participants gained critical knowledge, coordinated with state jurisdictions, and developed actionable policies through four virtual sessions held between September and December 2023. This valuable program equipped local leaders with cutting-edge expertise in embodied carbon policy implementation.
Watch the recording here:
September 28th, 2023: Embodied Carbon Policy 101 + 201: Overview of Embodied Carbon
Massachusetts Climate Action Network and Rocky Mountain Institute proudly hosted a Municipality Cohort on Embodied Carbon Policy for municipal officials and their colleagues. Participants gained critical knowledge, coordinated with state jurisdictions, and developed actionable policies through four virtual sessions held between September and December 2023. This valuable program equipped local leaders with cutting-edge expertise in embodied carbon policy implementation.
Watch the recording here:
August 30th, 2023: Muni Summit: Transparency and Community Engagement
The summit focused on transparency and community engagement within municipal utilities (MLPs), why it’s important, and what municipal utilities and advocates can do to improve practices in their districts.
Watch the recording here:
July 20th, 2023: Clean Energy Infrastructure, Environmental Justice, and Community Needs
This panel discussed the critical need that Massachusetts faces to build new clean energy infrastructure and the challenges, as well as opportunities, that are available to ensure that community needs are met and environmental justice is achieved as part of this process. The panel will also touch on potential reforms that may be needed to ensure our climate targets are being met in a way that enhances environmental justice. Our panel of experts included: Melissa Hoffer, Massachusetts Climate Chief Maria Belen Power, Massachusetts Undersecretary of Environmental Justice & Equity Turner-Smith, Deputy Bureau Chief of the Energy & Environment Bureau at the Attorney General’s Office John Walkey, Director of Waterfront & Climate Justice Initiatives at Greenroots Richard Kanoff, Partner & Chair of the Renewable Energy Group at Prince Lobel & Tye
Watch the recording here:
May 30, 2023: Innovative Approaches to Building Mapping
During this event, MCAN and the Massachusetts Building Electrification Accelerator discussed four approaches to building decarbonization mapping. Over two million buildings in Massachusetts will need upgrades to become future-ready and sustainable. How will we identify, prioritize, and map their unique paths? The Building Electrification Accelerator and the Massachusetts Climate Action Network held a webinar to discuss this very issue. Specifically, we heard about four approaches to building decarbonization mapping from our list of wonderful guest speakers: Greg King from TSK Energy Solutions Erin Camp from PowerOptions Craig Altemose from BlocPower Lucy Lyons from Kestrix Enjoy this fascinating discussion which covers an area of critical importance to equitable, holistic, and effective building decarbonization.
Watch the recording here:
April 25th, 2023: How Massachusetts Can Become a Leader in Reducing Embodied Carbon
During this event, MCAN discussed steps Massachusetts can take to become a leader in reducing embodied carbon in buildings. We were joined by a fantastic group of guest speakers including Thomas O’Neill from the City of Cambridge, as well as a number of incredible legislators who have been champions for increasing our efforts to reduce embodied carbon in buildings.
Watch the recording here:
April 19th, 2023: Legislative Launch: Advancing Clean Energy, Equity, and Innovation in Municipal Utilities
This event focused on a new, critical piece of legislation in Massachusetts: An Act advancing clean energy, equity, and innovation within municipal utilities (H.3150/S.2117). H.3150/S.2117 is important because it will enhance the distribution of benefits and burdens of the clean energy transition by ensuring that communities served by municipal utilities meet the same clean energy standards as the rest of the Commonwealth. It also increases support for Environmental Justice communities who have historically had limited access to funding and incentives to benefit from the clean energy transition. While the bill may focus on municipal utilities, this legislation affects our entire state's ability to meet our climate targets. Learn from our incredible panelist of legislative champions and experts about why this bill is necessary, how it would help advance climate action and environmental justice, and what you can do to support it.
Watch the recording here: