Building Resilience: Collaborating on Eastham’s Climate Action Plan 

Situated along the eastern coast of Cape Cod, Eastham boasts approximately 29 miles of diverse coastline, providing residents and visitors with access to a variety of coastal landscapes. However, like many coastal communities, Eastham faces significant challenges from coastal flooding and erosion. 

Updated climate models reveal that Eastham’s vulnerability to climate-related impacts will increase substantially in the coming decades. These impacts are expected to threaten residential properties, critical infrastructure, local ecosystems, and the economy. 

To address these challenges and complement existing climate initiatives, the Town of Eastham has partnered with the Cape Cod Commission to develop a municipal climate action plan. This plan builds on Eastham's ongoing planning efforts, including its hazard mitigation plan, participation in the state's Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Program, and involvement in the Cape Cod Commission’s Low-Lying Roads project.  The Cape Cod Climate Action Plan identifies municipal climate action planning as a critical strategy to support local adaptation, mitigation, and resiliency measures. 

The Eastham municipal climate action plan will also build upon previous local initiatives, such as the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory and a recent climate survey of Eastham residents and businesses. The Town of Eastham and its Energy and Climate Committee are actively integrating climate considerations into town planning, gathering valuable insights into residents’ views on preparedness, costs, and overall support for local climate action initiatives. 

This plan aims to create a comprehensive roadmap for addressing climate change at the local level. It will outline realistic, cost-effective goals that align with regional, state, and national frameworks, while prioritizing equity by minimizing burdens on environmental justice and socially vulnerable populations.  

Ultimately, the Eastham Climate Action Plan will serve as a vital tool for the Town and its residents, guiding local actions, priorities, and investments. It will feature actionable steps for both municipal leaders and individuals to take, ensuring broad participation and impact. 

Public involvement is central to creating a truly community-driven plan. The Town is deeply committed to engaging residents throughout the process to ensure the plan reflects their needs and priorities. 

A formal kick-off meeting with Town and Commission staff is scheduled for January 2025, with the development of the plan expected to take approximately one year.