Finding the "just" in climate change
In all of its work, Barr is guided by a vision for a vibrant, just, and sustainable world, with hopeful futures for children. In Barr's climate change portfolio, the applications of "vibrant" and "sustainable" are clear—but articulating how this work is also about creating a more "just" world can be more elusive.
The Invisible Elephant in the Room: Gas Leaks and Climate
![[STAFF] Mariella Puerto Photo 2022](https://barrfdn-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/crop/4652/square_crop_small.jpg?1658507294)
Two recent reports shine a spotlight on an until-recently unaccounted for source of GHG emissions – methane that leaks from old and leaky pipes that, by the authors' estimates, mean the state is losing more ground than it's gaining.
Lessons from a New Effort to Scale Energy Efficiency in Boston
One of the most difficult groups to engage in energy efficiency is low- and moderate-income families. Into this gap steps Renew Boston, a one-stop shop to help Boston residents and businesses get into the energy-saving game at no cost.
Networks, Fun, and Healthy Competition Spur Boston Businesses on Sustainability
In Boston and most cities, the majority of GHG emissions come from buildings (in Boston, they are responsible for 74% of the city's carbon footprint).
Massachusetts Named Most Energy Efficient State (Again)
For the second year in a row, Massachusetts nabbed the number spot on a list ranking states by their energy efficiency initiatives. In this post, Senior Program Officer Mariella Puerto talks to Ian Bowles, former Secretary of Energy and Environment for Massachusetts, and Jeremy McDiarmid, Massachusetts Director at Environment Northeast, to find out what this designation means, how Massachusetts got it, and what it will take to keep the momentum going.
The Little Cities that Could (and Did and Are...)
A new approach in greater Boston is showing early promise accelerating efforts to save money and reduce our carbon footprint.
A Double Bottom Line Win in Massachusetts
Some low-income residents can spend up to 40% of their incomes on energy and that building emissions are unnecessarily high.
All Things Not Being Equal: Equity, Race, and Metro Boston
What is the state of the American dream in Metro Boston? A new report takes a piercing look at how much the answer to that question still depends on race.
First Deep Look at Costs AND Benefits of Northeast Cap-and-Trade Program Shows it a Clear Winner
For three years, the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) – a collaborative effort of 10 Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states – has been testing the nation's first cap-and-trade scheme to reduce carbon emissions.
Fueling Up for a New Conversation about Transportation Financing in Massachusetts
Since late this summer, Governor Patrick and Lieutenant Governor Murray have been calling for renewed debate – and an "adult conversation" – about transportation finance in the Commonwealth. Business-as-usual is 1) not sustainable and 2) can only undermine the State's aggressive climate and energy goals. Three recent reports offer rich fodder for that conversation to occur. Lizzi Weyant, Staff Attorney of MASSPIRG breaks them down to their key insights.