Municipal Climate Action Planning in Eastham

In December 2024, the Cape Cod Commission partnered with the Town of Eastham to develop a municipal climate action plan. Building on the Cape Cod Climate Action Plan, this effort designs regional strategies tailored to Eastham’s unique needs, priorities, and environmental conditions.

Located along the eastern coast of Cape Cod, Eastham is defined by nearly 29 miles of shoreline, offering a range of coastal landscapes that support recreation, natural resources, and the local economy. Like many coastal communities, Eastham faces growing risks from coastal flooding, erosion, and other climate-driven impacts. Updated climate projections show that these hazards will intensify in the coming decades, threatening homes, critical infrastructure, natural systems, and community well-being.

The climate action plan builds on Eastham’s ongoing work, including its hazard mitigation plan, participation in the Massachusetts Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Program, and involvement in the Cape Cod Commission’s Low-Lying Roads Project. The Commission’s regional climate plan identifies local climate action planning as a key strategy for advancing adaptation, mitigation, and long-term resilience across Cape Cod.

From the beginning, this project has been community-focused, with Town staff and residents actively shaping the plan’s direction and priorities. A kickoff meeting was held at Eastham Town Hall in January 2025, followed by a public workshop at the Eastham Public Library in July, which brought together a large number of participants to share ideas for climate action. A second workshop this fall provided residents with another opportunity to review and comment on draft goals, objectives, and strategies. Attendance at these sessions highlights the community’s strong commitment to building a more climate-resilient future.

As the project nears completion, the Commission is working closely with the Town to draft the final plan. The document will outline practical, cost-effective strategies that align with local, regional, state, and national climate frameworks. It will also prioritize equity by ensuring that recommended actions do not disproportionately impact environmental justice or socially vulnerable populations. The plan will include both municipal and community-level actions, along with a communications strategy to support broad participation and long-term implementation.

Ultimately, the Eastham Climate Action Plan will serve as a vital tool for guiding local decisions, investments, and policies. By providing clear, actionable steps for Town leadership and residents alike, the plan will help Eastham reduce climate-related risks, strengthen community resilience, and support a sustainable future for generations to come.