Growing Solar & Protecting Nature

Date: 

Tuesday, March 5, 2024, 6:00pm to 7:30pm

Location: 

Fisher Museum, Harvard Forest, 324 North Main Street, Petersham

"Harvard Forest Research Discussion" with Jonathan Thompson, Research Director.

Massachusetts needs more solar energy to meet its goal of reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. But so far, much of the solar energy deployed in central and western Massachusetts has been built at the expense of forests, farmlands, and some of our most biodiverse habitats. This pattern isn’t good for the climate; forests, wetlands, and farm soils absorb one tenth of our state’s greenhouse gas emissions each year.

A way must be found to build most of our needed solar energy on rooftops, parking lots, and already-developed land. Harvard Forest teamed up with Mass Audubon researchers for a statewide study that proves this is possible—but only with the right policy changes. 

 

Please join the Harvard Forest Research Director and Senior Ecologist Jonathan Thompson and Mass Audubon Vice President of Policy and Advocacy Michelle Manion to learn about this important research and our recommendations for how Massachusetts can responsibly meet its solar energy goals.

Light refreshments will be provided. Please register to attend in person using this form. If you are unable to attend in person but would like to join via Zoom, please register here.

Visit the event page for more information.