Government Health & Environment

Councilors LaMattina and Wu Meet Climate Change Leaders at European Conference

Councilor Sal LaMattina and Council President Michelle Wu in Rotterdam.

Boston City Councilor LaMattina and Council President Michelle Wu are attending a conference this week in the Netherlands and Denmark sponsored by the Boston Green Ribbon Commission. The GRC is to bring together public, philanthropic and business leaders in Boston to learn about cutting edge European practices for achieving carbon neutrality, resiliency and long-term climate preparedness. The participants will meet with local civic and business leaders and tour climate infrastructure innovations.

While there, the Councilor will also be looking at European transportation infrastructure and planning, as well as open space and trash/recycling collection.

“I am excited about this conference and hope to gain some knowledge on how to tackle these issues in our city as we continue to grow and prepare for climate change and rising sea levels,” said Councilor LaMattina. “I also hope to examine alternate modes of transportation, including water, as well as how to maintain cleanliness and upkeep in our parks and streets.”

In economic terms, Boston is the fourth most vulnerable city in the United States, and the eighth most vulnerable in the world, according to the World Bank. With the highest tides and storms already topping sea walls, some of these effects are already tangible.