By Jennifer Ballou | Observer Contributor
Most of us think about the future and what incredible changes are going to happen. But what about the negative changes that are starting to happen right now? How will they affect us?
This is exactly what former Senator Stephen Brewer is concerned about. Now the special assistant to the president at MWCC, he recently attended a retreat put on by the East Quabbin Land Trust. The EQLT works to sustain the natural resources around us, including farmlands, woodlands, and water, by working with the communities, government agencies, and other land trusts. Brewer is an active member of the group.
During the retreat, he listened to a discussion by Robert O’Connor. O’Connor is the director of land and forests on the counsel for the Mass Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs. He discussed climate change and how it’s going to shape our local communities in as little as 25 years.
“Everyone thinks in the moment, but we need to look at the implications of our actions if we want to stop some of these changes,” Brewer said.
Leading scientists and experts are predicting a dangerous increase in temperature. Now, it’s normal to see an average of 3 to 5 days in the 90’s during the summer in Massachusetts. But in 25 years they believe that we could see upwards of 60 days with temperatures in the 90’s. Brewer believes this is going to have an adverse effect on the sustainability of life on the coast.
“In the urban areas there isn’t much for trees and shade, and this is going to cause a pressing need to find a cooler climate for a lot of people,” said Brewer. “And this is where people are going to look, here in Central Mass and westward.”
Brewer stated that even though a lot of the protected lands around us are covered under laws, “those same men and women can change the laws.” It would be possible to see forests in our local state parks or reservoirs being cut down to make way for housing developments and commercialization. This will also impact other aspects such as transportation, as many people will still keep their jobs in the cities.
Brewer believes that the younger generations can help to change some of these outcomes. “They need to do the right things,” Brewer said. “Make change. To deny the change would be the greatest sin of all.” Recycling, using more energy efficient services and products, and being aware of the trash they produce are all simple ways he says could help.
Brewer feels that with all of the strange recent weather, between extreme temperatures, tornadoes, and torrential rains, it’s easy for people to see that something is changing with our planet.
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