Elizabeth Turnbull Henry

𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐞𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐬 𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐅𝐮𝐧𝐝...  Social Finance are partnering with the Healey Administration to create the Massachusetts Climate Careers Fund. This will be an outcomes-based workforce fund designed to fill climate workforce gaps, increase access to economic mobility for workers, and support a diverse clean energy workforce. It's great to see more being done to help fill the skills gap in the Climate Tech space and hopefully we will see more of these types of funds being started! What do you think about this new fund? Any other cool developments you've seen in this space to help improve the skills gap? ⬇ #smartbuildings #climatetechnology #skillsgap #carboncapture #energyinnovation

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Significant reading for all you remaining voluntary carbon market enthusiasts. #carboncredits What we need is not voluntary compensation efforts but mandatory prices on all types of ghg emissions, by way of simple, fair, and effective regulation. #climateincentive Many thanks Simon Evans for pointing out the essence of the findings reported by the Science Based Targets initiative.

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Released at #ClimateWeekNYC! The Center for Global Sustainability’s new report shows that with high ambition at all levels of government and society, the United States can meet its 2030 NDC target and reduce emissions by 65% by 2035 with the full implementation and expansion of key federal and non-federal policies. Learn more: go.umd.edu/Toward2035 #ClimateWeek2024

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New release from Center for Global Sustainability at #ClimateWeekNYC! This new report offers key policy actions in an all-of-society effort to deliver 65% emissions reductions and achieve a feasible and ambitious 2035 U.S. NDC target. The Hua Nani team supported the report’s subnational stakeholder engagement process, consisting of 12 listening sessions that engaged over 200 participants in discussions about each sector’s contributions and barriers to reaching 2035 climate targets. Read the report below and check out the listening session appendix here: https://lnkd.in/g8nguATj #NDC #Climateaction #Climatepolicy #Climateadvisory #Climatestrategy

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Climate action is critical across all levels and sectors of society in order to achieve our climate goals in the United States.🌎 A new report released at #ClimateWeekNYC by the Center for Global Sustainability finds that the U.S. can cut GHG emissions by 65% by 2035. This target is critical as the U.S. and countries around the world will soon set their 2035 Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). #AmericaIsAllIn members shared the perspectives of cities, states, businesses, and more in this research, and recognize that non-federal climate leadership is key to ambitious U.S. climate goals. 🔗Read the report: https://lnkd.in/gnU-bvnU

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Yesterday Massachusetts raised the bar big time, making the boldest statement to date on what state-level support for carbon dioxide removal can and should look like in 2024. Together, two major pieces of climate legislation - an expansive omnibus climate bill and climatetech investment economic development bill! - were voted out of the legislature and are now headed to Governor Healey's desk, with all indications that the Governor will sign them both into law promptly. For the better part of two years, OpenAir advocates have worked hard and on multiple fronts to advance CDR in the Bay State through legislative action. Along the way, we faced many twists and turns, and our objectives evolved considerably. But the final product is more than we set out to achieve. Here's what the legislation means for CDR: 1. In-state CDR companies and projects will be eligible for funds from a new $200,000,000 multi-year authorization in the form of capital grants, and a new incentive program that will award up to $30 million in annual climatetech tax credits. 2. CDR will also be eligible for pre-existing MassCEC programs that provide grants, equity investments, loans, and other financial assistance for workforce development, deployment, R&D, supporting infrastructure, and research into environmental impacts. 3. MassCEC will be directed to study opportunities for CDR of any kind in Massachusetts and to produce a report by the end of next year, setting up avenues for additional programmatic support. There are so many people to thank for this unprecedented state policy victory. Chief among them is State Senator and Majority Leader Cynthia Stone Creem, the sponsor of the original legislation that informed the sections of the omnibus bills pertaining to CDR. Senator Creem grasped the significance of CDR earlier than almost any state legislator in the country, never wavered or faltered at any point in this long journey, and fought tirelessly in final innings of the process to ensure CDR's inclusion. Senator Creem's legislative director Garrett Casey is one of the most able and committed staffers we have ever had the privilege to collaborate with. He did heroic things to get us to this end point. Toby Bryce is among the smartest and most serious thinkers on this subject on the planet. His insights and research were critical to the development and evolution of the policies that will now be law. Evan Payne is the consummate grassroots CDR advocate, and for long stretches of our campaign he almost singlehandedly kept our local outreach going. While new to CDR, no moment or task was too daunting for him to take on, regardless of how far from his comfort zone it took him. Karl Danz and Jason Grillo, as always, you answered the call, rolled up your sleeves, and plugged in at every opportunity to have an impact. Could not have done this without you.

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So important to have #diverse voices at the table—to understand how they’re being impacted by #climatechange AND so they can participate in the development of #mitigation & #adaptation solutions. #ClimateWeekNYC

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Ambitious #climate goals are bringing #cities and counties face-to-face with a serious reality: the need for carbon dioxide removal in addition to #decarbonization. As some local governments start to look at carbon removal strategies, experts say the public sector entering the ring could help bring down the cost for everyone. My story for Smart Cities Dive:

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The SBTi just published an evidence review that pretty comprehensively trashes carbon credits: "[V]arious types of carbon credits are ineffective in delivering their intended mitigation outcomes." "There could be clear risks to corporate use of carbon credits for the purposes of offsetting. This includes potential unintended effects of hindering the net-zero transformation and/or reducing climate finance." "All Tier A evidence challenge the legitimacy of offsetting claims, arguing that treating carbon credits as fungible with other sources, sinks, or reductions of emissions is inadvisable, illogical, or damaging to global mitigation goals." https://lnkd.in/eJfTuPyD

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After Relaunching Congestion Pricing, Signing the Climate Change Superfund Act Is Next on Gov's To-Do List "Congestion pricing will bring in desperately needed funding to improve New York's mass transit infrastructure and we applaud the Governor for committing to launching the program. But New York will need even more funding in the face of the escalating and increasingly expensive climate disasters threatening its infrastructure like wildfires, droughts, flooding, and extreme heat. The Climate Change Superfund Act will make up that gap by putting Big Oil on the hook for at least some of those costs, instead of taxpayers. To offset the state’s looming climate-caused infrastructure costs, Governor Hochul must sign the Climate Change Superfund Act ASAP!" - NYPIRG Executive Director Blair Horner https://lnkd.in/eSz2DvED

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Massachusetts leads the way in making #shift happen! A Beacon of hope for the nation and the world 🌎 This was very welcome news from last week, Massachusetts makes climate history! By passing two transformative pieces of legislation—the Omnibus Climate Bill (S.2967) and the Mass Leads Act (H.4804)—our Commonwealth proved that bold climate leadership can’t wait. This isn’t just about laws; it’s about securing a cleaner, healthier, and more equitable future for generations to come. The Omnibus Climate Bill accelerates the Commonwealth's transition to clean energy, prioritizing community engagement and equity while decarbonizing the sectors that pollute the most. Key highlights include: ✅ Supporting widespread adoption of electric heating alternatives to reduce reliance on natural gas ✅ Expanding access to reliable EV charging infrastructure ✅ Scaling clean energy storage solutions to meet growing demand ✅ Electrifying homes, businesses, and transportation at an unprecedented pace Meanwhile, the Mass Leads Act positions Massachusetts as a global climate technology hub. With targeted investments in #climatetech, this initiative not only addresses the climate crisis but also creates family-sustaining jobs and drives economic growth. These laws are more than just legislative wins—they are a testament to the power of collective action which Akamai Technologies is #proud to be apart of. Hundreds of advocates raised their voices, sending a clear message: #ClimateCantWait. Massachusetts is setting a #goldstandard for state-level #leadership, especially when federal progress feels distant. Now, the hard work begins to ensure these groundbreaking initiatives are implemented to their fullest potential. Akamai's committed to sustainability runs deep, I’m inspired by what’s possible when #urgency meets #collaboration. Thank you to the Environmental League of Massachusetts (ELM) and Ceres, Inc. for helping to champion getting these over the finish line! #BrassTacks: Bold climate policies, innovative technology, and inclusive economic opportunities protect our #planet and our #communities building a #brighter future. #Together, we are building a #cleaner, #greener tomorrow—starting right here in the Bay State. 🌱 #ClimateAction #Sustainability #CleanEnergy #Massachusetts

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Submit nominations for a new National Academies study I'm leading, examining the safety, societal considerations, and impacts of carbon management technologies: https://lnkd.in/eAJVeVU4   Carbon management technologies and infrastructure aim to address climate change by capturing, transporting, converting, and sequestering carbon dioxide. Large investments are being made by federal agencies and industry in research, development, and demonstration of carbon management, and new facilities and technologies are being planned and built. The Department of Energy requested this study to assess safety, societal considerations, and environmental and health impacts associated with implementation of carbon management at scale. The committee will examine technologies and their potential harms and benefits to human health, the environment, and communities; document and address impacts on burdened communities; examine the implications of carbon management policy on emissions and fossil fuel use; assess regulatory systems; and suggest approaches to reducing harm and increasing benefits of carbon management technologies.   The National Academies is actively seeking experts to serve on the study committee, and we invite you to submit nominations by Monday, November 4, 2024. We are looking for nominees with expertise in the environmental, societal, and technological dimensions of carbon management. As always, we appreciate suggestions of experts who have diverse professional and personal experiences and backgrounds, including women, people of color, and individuals of differing age, location, and professional backgrounds. We are particularly seeking expertise in: -environmental and energy justice, including impacted community perspectives; -public health and exposure risks from industrial emissions; -public safety of carbon management technologies; -life cycle and techno-economic assessments; -regulatory and policy aspects of carbon management; -public engagement and accountability, including community benefits agreements; and -engineering and science of carbon management technologies, including point source carbon capture for industry and power, direct air capture, biomass carbon removal and storage, CO2 transport, CO2 conversion, and carbon sequestration. Thank you for your input as we assemble this committee!

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Massachusetts stands as a national leader in green technology policy, pioneering initiatives that make it one of the most promising states for climate action. From ambitious carbon reduction targets to groundbreaking support for clean energy tech, Massachusetts is shaping the future of the green economy. The state’s 2030 Clean Energy and Climate Plan lays a roadmap for decarbonizing the economy and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. By setting aggressive targets, Massachusetts isn’t just aiming for environmental impact—it’s also fostering job growth, energy security, and economic resilience. Policies such as the Clean Peak Standard push for cleaner energy during high-demand times, spurring tech innovations that align with sustainable goals. The partnerships between the state, private sector, and innovative research hubs are at the core of Massachusetts' success. Organizations like @MassCEC (Massachusetts Clean Energy Center), @GreentownLabs, and the emerging Blue Economy Tech Hub work hand-in-hand to accelerate green technology, from renewables to energy storage and marine technology. These organizations connect startups and researchers with funding, resources, and strategic partnerships to bring sustainable solutions to market. In addition to clean tech, Massachusetts is investing in environmental justice initiatives to ensure that all communities benefit from green advancements. Programs like @GroundworkLawrence and @GreenRoots advocate for equitable green policies, providing communities with access to cleaner environments and job training in the green sector. With a thriving ecosystem of policymakers, tech leaders, and diverse innovators, Massachusetts is setting a national example of how green tech policy can drive meaningful change. As the state continues to expand its climate and energy ecosystem, its policies will remain a beacon for states seeking impactful, inclusive pathways to sustainability. For a sustainable and equitable climate future, we need a collaborative approach that puts diversity and inclusion at its core. It’s time to build, connect, and elevate each other as we work towards a greener tomorrow. #GreenTech #ClimatePolicy #Massachusetts #CleanEnergy

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Exciting new report by my ACEEE teammates Emily Garfunkel and Mike Waite identifying building performance standards (BPS) as a ready opportunity for utility code programs. BPS could have enormous impact given that they apply to existing buildings, which are responsible for a much greater share of energy consumption than new buildings (the main focus of code programs). Utilities can already get credit for advancing or implementing codes in 14 states plus DC. Ten of those states are now in the process or have adopted BPS. Utilities can help with adoption or implementation, but as the paper points out, states must set up a way for utilities to get credit for BPS so they can participate and help transform existing buildings!

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Please see #GHD’s Colleen M. Connors’ article for an in-depth analysis on why #ClimateWeekNYC is so important. #environmentjournal

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Local decarbonization = city + business climate partnerships! Why? IRA funding is secured at subnational level, and public-private collab mobilizes those funds for optimal outcomes. See important blog by CDP’s Katie Walsh on some of the most asked questions at New York Climate Week, and why City-Business Climate Alliance (Zöe Fitzgerald) building is one of the answers (https://lnkd.in/gh8aH5sj)

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I can’t wait to share insights from Climate Week NYC and emphasize the crucial role the semiconductor industry plays in advancing sustainability through education as an enthusiastic participant in the SEMI Sustainability Initiative. https://bit.ly/482ZIjG The semiconductor industry is key to a low-carbon future. By integrating sustainability into K-12 education, we can cultivate a workforce equipped for tomorrow's challenges. SEMI and its partners are launching a pioneering global K-12 program at COP29, designed to provide students with the skills for impactful climate action. Highlighting the need for climate literacy, this initiative emphasizes practical skills and global collaboration. It supports projects like energy audits and community gardens, which already enhance sustainability efforts in Taiwan and beyond. The industry’s unique position allows it to expand sustainable school networks and promote STEM education, enabling all students to engage with climate issues effectively. Programs like Global Climate Pathways and EcoSchools US showcase how STEM fosters critical thinking and problem-solving, preparing students for future careers. The semiconductor sector must lead in K-12 engagement, bridging technical talent development with sustainability goals by fostering cross-sector partnerships to ensure inclusive educational opportunities. Investing in early climate education underscores the industry’s commitment to sustainability, preparing future workforce leaders. Now is the time to show leadership by facilitating education that enables students to make meaningful contributions to the semiconductor industry and the global community. Grateful to our partners in the SEMI global K-12 climate engagement program, including the Climate Equity Collaborative and the National Wildlife Federation, for their invaluable support in this initiative. #Semiconductor #Sustainability #ClimateLiteracy #STEM #Education #SEMI

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Outdated, inefficient water heaters are generating high energy bills that particularly burden lower-income households while also emitting millions of tons of avoidable climate emissions and other pollutants that harm human health. Now the Department of Energy has finalized the first update in thirteen years to the efficiency standards of water heaters—one that will dramatically reduce energy waste. This is a key win for reducing household costs and in the fight against climate change. Help spread the word in support of these strong new efficiency standards for water heaters! https://lnkd.in/eWKKVvTy

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While the new rule requiring companies to disclose greenhouse-gas emissions and other climate-related risks may be on hold, accounting experts say one thing is certain: Mandates to disclose such climate data aren't going away anytime soon. In my latest cover story for Boston Business Journal, I looked at how some Massachusetts employers are preparing to comply with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission's climate-disclosure rule. Who's ready? Basically no one, but there are exceptions, I found out. #Boston #tech #news #massachusetts #climate #climatedisclosure #ESG #sec

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