Let’s check in on Boston’s climate plans. According to a new report by The Boston Foundation + Northeastern University researchers, our city has quite a ways to go on its mission to cut carbon emissions in half by 2030.
That goal is part of the Climate Action Plan, which aims to have Boston become net-zero by 2050.
The Inaugural Boston Climate Progress Report notes that only incremental achievement has been made on creating a cleaner electric grid, improving vehicle efficiency + adopting energy efficiency measures more broadly.
It’s not all bad news, though. The report also found that Boston has made significant progress on climate policies like the Building Energy Reduction and Disclosure Ordinance, which set requirements for large buildings to reduce energy use.
Ultimately, there are four critical changes — or “big lifts” — the city will need to implement to reach the goal in the next eight years:
🏠 Electrify small buildings, including the city’s 70,000 single and small multifamily homes.
⚡ Modernize local electrical planning + the electrical grid.
🌊 Make the coastline more resilient to rising seas(think: the aim of the Emerald Tutu project).
💭 Prioritize reparative planning for frontline neighborhoods that have experienced the “first and worst” of climate change impacts, like East Boston, Roxbury, Dorchester + Mattapan.
Want to take action? Get involved with Greenovate, the city’s initiative to carry out the Climate Action Plan in our neighborhoods + communities. You can volunteer at a cleanup event or become an ambassador or leader.
Boston Art Book Fair | Friday, Nov. 4-Sunday, Nov. 6 | 6-9 p.m. | Boston Center for the Arts, 539 Tremont St., Boston | $0-$50 | Check out the preview party Friday night, or stop by during the weekend for exhibitors like Saint Lucy Books + MIT Press.
Saturday, Nov. 5
East Boston Through the Archives | Saturday, Nov. 5 | 10-11 a.m. | East Boston Branch of the Boston Public Library, 365 Bremen St., Boston | Free | Register to take a journey through East Boston’s past through library archival materials.
Harvard Square Food Tour | Saturday, Nov. 5 | 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. | Off The Beaten Path Food Tours and Experiences, 18 Brattle St., Cambridge | $70 | Explore Julia Child’s favorite Cambridge area on this culinary adventure with samples from local restaurants.
Yoga in the Beer Garden | Saturday, Nov. 5 | 9:30-10:30 a.m. | Remnant Brewing Company, 2 Bow Market Way, Somerville | $15 | Take a yoga flow class for all experience levels at the private outdoor beer garden in Somerville.
Sunday, Nov. 6
Cannery Brunch | Sunday, Nov. 6 | 1:30-5 p.m. | Aeronaut Cannery & Taproom, 199 Ashland St., Everett | $14 | Grab your favorite Aeronaut beer or the Bloody Mary Beer special with brunch bites from the local food truck Hungry Nomads.
Monday, Nov. 7
Onstage Conversation with Nigella Lawson | Monday, Nov. 7 | 8-9:30 p.m. | Emerson Colonial Theatre, 106 Boylston St., Boston | $35-$75 | See the renowned food writer + TV cook at the event hosted by “America’s Test Kitchen” test chef Dan Souza.
We have amonthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
We’re waiting to break out our cozy sweaterswhile this unusual November warmth continues. Temperatures are still expected to be in the 70s through Monday. ☀️ (7 News)
Open
“She’s So Lucky,” a seasonal karaoke pop-up, is now open at the Charles River Speedway. The owner of The Koji Club designed the private karaoke lounge that offers sake beverages + snacks for three-hour karaoke sessions. Book your spot. 🎤
Drink
The craft cocktail speakeasy Wink & Nodhas reopened in the South End. We won’t keep the location a secret — head to 3 Appleton St. to sip scotch + seasonal cocktails. 🥃
Environment
More details are out about the Earthshot Prize Ceremony. Prince Williamhas confirmed his visit to our city on Friday, Dec. 2 for the second annual event honoring global solutions for environmental issues. Additional participants have yet to be announced. (NBC 10)
Civic
The Boston City Council approved a map outlining new boundaries for Boston’s nine voting districts this week. The updated map, which moves portions of South Boston’s district to Dorchester, is heading to Mayor Wu for approval. (WGBH)
Shop
The denim bar and style loungeinjeanius is now open at The Superette in the Seaport. Stop by grand opening events on Saturday, Nov. 19-Sunday, Nov. 20 to customize jeans, recycle old denim + enter raffles. 👖
Arts
“Life in 6 Strings,” an exhibit of rare guitars from legendary musicians, is now on display at the Wang Theatre. The Folk Americana Roots Hall of Fame exhibit features instruments signed by Elvis Presley + Johnny Cash. 🎸 (WCVB 5)
Number
$500,000. That’s how much Comcast donated to 17 local organizations to support digital equity. Recipients include Central Boston Elder Services + Tech Goes Home, which will use the funds to educate the community on digital awareness and literacy skills. (Boston Globe)
Announced
Show your support for local journalism by joining the BOStoday membership program. Membership has some awesome perks like exclusive birthday deals, discounts from our online shop, Six & Main + more. Plus, 100% of membership funds help support our local editors — that’s us, Jessica + Sara.Learn more + sign up. 💻
Travel
Dreaming up a trip to the Bahamas? This Spanish Wells private cottagemight just be your new happy place. It’s steps from the turquoise water, fully air conditioned, and is rated five stars. Book it as a January getaway or the best holiday gift ever for $299 avg/night. 🌊*
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Food
More fall restaurant openings 🍽️
Fall restaurant openings around Boston
Boston University students will be very happy with this news. | Photo by @sunsetcantinaboston
We recently asked for your most anticipated fall restaurant openings, and you certainly delivered. Here are four new spots on our foodie bucket list:
Now Open
Solodko, 38 Brooks St.
This Ukrainian bakery + patisserie celebrated a grand opening this week. Head to the Brighton shop for croissants, challah, and cakes.
Seaport Social, 225 Northern Ave.
This highly anticipated Seaport spothas reportedly opened to the public (very quietly). We’re on the lookout for more updates from the waterfront restaurant and bar.
Coming Soon
Blasi’s Kitchen and Bar, 762 Adams St.
This Dorchester restaurant closed in 2017 after a fire, but is reopening its Adams Street space soon. The neighborhood joint will return with adjoining Fat Belly Deli for Italian sandwiches + beer and cocktails.
Sunset Cantina, 916 Commonwealth Ave. Next on the list of restaurant comebacks is this Boston University haunt. The cantina plans to bring the famous nacho plates and margaritas back to its former location.
Editor’s pick: How early is too early for Christmas music? With Boston’s official tree selected + Nantucketfeatured on a list of the best Christmas towns, I’m already starting to get into the holiday spirit. 🎄
Let me know when you think it’s acceptable to start blasting“All I Want for Christmas Is You.” I vote now.
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