Forests for Our Future: The Role of Massachusetts Forests in Combating Climate Change

This free event will be offered in person at First Parish in Lincoln (4 Bedford Road) and on Zoom. You can register for the webinar at metrowestclimatesolutions.org.

Massachusetts is unique in being both among the most populated and most forested states. Our residents look to forests for so much: from wood to water, from walking trails to wildlife. Recently, we added climate stabilization to the list. Massachusetts is now legislatively committed to reaching “Net Zero” greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Forests are expected to put the “Net” into this “Net Zero” goal. According to the legislation, forest carbon sequestration (sometimes called "negative emissions”) can be counted to offset up to 15% of the emissions reduction goal. Is this a good idea? Is it even possible? How can we influence forests’ ability to sequester and store carbon?

Our speaker, Dr. Jonathan Thompson, is a Senior Ecologist and Research Director at the Harvard Forest, Harvard’s 4,000-acre laboratory and classroom for ecological research. His research focuses on long-term and broad-scale changes in forest ecosystems, with an emphasis on quantifying how land use – including harvest, conversion, and land protection – affects forest ecosystem processes and services. He is the Principal Investigator for the Harvard Forest Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER) program, sponsored by the National Science Foundation and involving more than 100 scientists and students investigating the dynamics of the New England landscape. Dr. Thompson holds a Ph.D. in Forest Ecology and an M.S. in Forest Policy from Oregon State University.

MetroWest Climate Solutions aims to inspire sustainable, equitable communities by hosting programs that address the climate crisis. MCS includes members from First Parish in Wayland, First Parish in Lincoln, First Parish Church in Weston, First Parish in Framingham, CFREE Lincoln, and Energize Wayland.

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