How Will Climate Change Impact Boston -- and What Can We Do About It?

CAMBRIDGE, MA--(Marketwired - Dec 20, 2016) - By the end of this century, the Massachusetts coast is expected to witness a sea level rise between two and six feet. And superstorms are expected to become more frequent and more powerful. 

This will create an urgent need for society to respond in new and creative ways. Policy makers and technologists will need to take a broad and systems-based approach to energy policy -- including resiliency, efficiency, grid infrastructure, and urban design. Adaptation will be necessary, but that alone will be insufficient. Further carbon emission reduction strategies -- especially renewables and energy efficiency -- will also be necessary.

On January 25, the MIT Enterprise Forum of Cambridge (MITEF) will host its first Innovation Series event of 2017, titled Climate Preparedness in Massachusetts. The session will dive into policies that will shape Massachusetts' strategy for future resiliency. These include: big data tools and models that will help us cope; public sector strategies to harden our infrastructure; and private sector responses and technologies that will enable us to accelerate and expand our emerging energy economy while simultaneously adapting to the changing climate.

"The world is facing an uncertain future and Massachusetts is especially vulnerable to climate change," said Katja Wald, Executive Director of MITEF Cambridge. "Our local community has a number of passionate and smart leaders who are working tirelessly to protect our future. We're excited to bring them together for what we know will be a critically important, interactive and insightful discussion."

The event will begin with opening remarks from Professor John Sterman, Director of the MIT Systems Dynamics Group. The discussion will be moderated by Peter Kelly Detwiler, Principal with NorthBridge Energy Partners, LLC and a Forbes.com contributor. Panelists include:

• Neil Gerber, Director, New Energy & Environment, IBM
• Brad Swing, Director, Energy Policy & Programs, City of Boston, Office of the Mayor, Environment, Energy & Open Space
• Maryrose Sylvester, President & CEO, Current, powered by GE
• Julie Wormser, Vice President for Policy, Boston Harbor Now

The evening will conclude with a networking reception and showcase that features emerging technologies in these fields.

Event Details
January 25, 2017, 5:30pm - 9:00pm
MIT Stata Center, Room 123, 32 Vassar Street, Cambridge, Mass.

5:30 - 6:00 p.m. - Registration and Networking
6:00 - 7:30 p.m. - Welcome and Panel Discussion
7:30 - 7:45 p.m. - Startup Pitches by Technology Companies
7:45 - 9:00 p.m. - Networking and Technology Showcase

To register and for more information: http://ow.ly/REki3077BbN

Follow MIT Enterprise Forum of Cambridge @mitefcmb

Sponsors supporting this event include CHEN PR; Hamilton Brook Smith Reynolds; Morse, Barnes-Brown & Pendleton; Withum.com and Wolf Greenfield.

About The MIT Enterprise Forum of Cambridge
The MIT Enterprise Forum of Cambridge is the founding chapter and one of 27 worldwide chapters comprising the MIT Enterprise Forum, Inc. Offering more than 40 programs and events annually that inspire innovation, MIT Enterprise Forum of Cambridge initiatives facilitate critical one-on-one mentoring while providing team services that increase the skills and expertise necessary for entrepreneurs to succeed.