Small island communities across the globe are facing some of the earliest and most severe impacts of climate change.
Small island communities across the globe are facing some of the earliest and most severe impacts of climate change. Many have started to turn away from traditional energy sources to reduce their own carbon footprints and inspire broader conversations on the urgent need for all communities to help mitigate climate change by dramatically reducing carbon dioxide emissions.
Recently, the Massachusetts island community of Martha’s Vineyard engaged with MIT students to discuss pathways toward a net-zero carbon future. Getting to net-zero carbon emissions entails transitioning to low- or no-carbon energy generation, employing energy efficiency measures, offsetting emissions by purchasing carbon credits, and other measures.
Prompted by the Vineyard Sustainable Energy Committee, Martha’s Vineyard is looking to achieve net-zero carbon by 2030. Even with its relatively small carbon footprint, the Vineyard could serve as a model for other island communities.
Read more at Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Photo: Participants in a Martha's Vineyard net-zero carbon design thinking workshop included MIT Energy Initiative staff; representatives from Martha's Vineyard, Shell, and Viessmann; and students from MIT, Harvard University, and Tufts University. Photo courtesy of Viessmann.
