Massachusetts Governor, Maura Healey, introduced a comprehensive strategy called “ResilientCoasts” on Tuesday aimed at helping the state's 78 coastal communities prepare for the challenges posed by climate change. The initiative addresses the diverse range of landscapes along the state's 1,500-mile coastline, which includes salt marshes, beaches, rocky shores, dunes, ports, harbors, and residential and commercial areas.

One key aspect of the “ResilientCoasts” strategy is the formation of "coastal resilience districts." These districts will bring together geographic regions that share similar landscape characteristics and climate hazards. The goal is to enable communities within each district to develop tailored policies and strategies to mitigate the impacts of climate change while also pursuing federal funding.

The announcement highlighted the importance of nature-based solutions for coastal erosion and flood protection. By incorporating these strategies, the state aims to address the immediate challenges and ensure future resiliency projects consider projected sea-level rise. The plan also emphasizes streamlining the permitting process to expedite the implementation of climate adaptation measures.

Governor Healey emphasized the urgency of addressing climate change, stating, "Climate change poses a very real threat to our coastal way of life, but it also presents a unique opportunity for us to build communities that are safer and more equitable." She further highlighted the vulnerability of communities in the floodplain, with approximately 55% of the nearly 2.5 million people living in coastal communities falling into demographic groups including communities of color, low-income populations, and residents facing language barriers.

The administration's projections indicate that Massachusetts could experience sea-level rise of up to 2.5 feet (0.8 meters) by 2050 if global emissions are not significantly reduced. This rise, coupled with increased tidal and storm-related flooding, further underscores the need for immediate action.

The “ResilientCoasts” initiative is the latest addition to Massachusetts' ongoing efforts to combat climate change. The state has set a goal to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, and this strategy aligns with that objective.

Alison Bowden, the interim state director of The Nature Conservancy, emphasized the need to protect vital habitats, shorelines, and ecologically significant landscapes. Bowden noted that Massachusetts has the potential to make a significant impact in safeguarding its coastal areas against sea-level rise and erosion.

However, addressing these challenges comes with a significant financial burden. Governor Healey warned that by 2070, the yearly costs to coastal structures statewide could exceed $1 billion. The total value of structures in the state's floodplain during a hundred-year storm is estimated to be approximately $55 billion, with residential structures accounting for $40 billion, industrial structures for $12 billion, and commercial structures for $2.5 billion.

The “ResilientCoasts” plan specifically targets the 78 municipalities most likely to be affected by long-term sea-level rise. By focusing resources and efforts on these areas, the state aims to proactively tackle climate change and create safer, more resilient communities along Massachusetts' vulnerable coastline.