NBS New England States
New England is a northeastern United States region recognized for its natural beauty and varied landscapes. Several states in the region are taking considerable measures to alleviate the effects of climate change using nature-based solutions.
Rhode Island
Aquatic Environment - Marsh Restoration
Marsh restoration is a nature-based solution that enhances important local salt marshes. One example of this type of restoration happened at Ninigret Pond in 2016. The goal of this project was to slow the amount of sediment entering the pond and to restore the health of the salt marshes. Sediment was taken from the ocean channel and moved to the salt marshes to increase their elevation, and along the beach to reinforce the shoreline. This project restored eelgrass beds in the pond which are important habitats for marine animals. Restoring salt marshes is important because they become more resistant to future sea-level rise and help protect coastal communities against heavy storms. Despite being time-consuming and expensive, marsh restoration is still a valuable way to protect salt marshes and surrounding shorelines.
Sustainable Agriculture - Regenerative Agriculture
Regenerative agriculture is a farming and grazing practice that prioritizes soil health. The goal is to reverse climate change by rebuilding soil organic matter and restoring degraded soil biodiversity. This results in carbon drawdown, improving the water cycle, and a healthier soil that is more resistant to drought, denser, and more productive. While regenerative growers need specialized knowledge and certification as organic farmers to understand the benefits of the growing method, the socio-economic benefits may outweigh the costs of implementation. One example of a farm that has adopted regenerative agriculture practices is Little Rivers Farms in Exeter, Rhode Island. The farm had a vision of providing the most nutritious food options to their community and after trying various farming techniques, they became fully no-till. In addition to selling their crops to local grocers and food co-ops, they started a home delivery service during the pandemic to provide healthy yields to local community members.
Sustainable Forestry - Forest Action Plan
The Forest Action Plan, created by the National Association of State Forests and the Department of Environmental Management, aims to conserve, protect, and enhance Rhode Island's forests. It includes the BMP program, which works with private landowners and local governments to spread awareness of land management and forestry practices. The plan was established in 2010 by all 50 states and is updated every ten years to ensure its effectiveness. It benefits Rhode Island's ecosystems by protecting forests, restoring damaged ones, and planting new trees and vegetation. The plan also benefits economic and social aspects, as it helps private landowners learn better land management, benefiting them greatly. However, the plan has drawbacks, such as being costly to implement, challenging to enforce, and only updated every ten years. Overall, the Forest Action Plan is a vital program for protecting, preserving, and restoring forests in the United States, as forests are essential for a healthy ecosystem.
Urban Spaces - Fort Adams State Park
Fort Adams State Park in Newport Harbor, Rhode Island, is a green urban space that offers various leisure activities and concerts. Originally owned by William Brenton, the park was later used as a military base. Today, it provides a serene environment for civilians to engage with nature and the bay, promoting an eco-conscious mindset and mitigating climate change. The park's greenery reduces air pollution, prevents industrial pollution, and promotes open spaces for wind and air circulation. Socially, the park promotes a healthy lifestyle, reduces stress, and educates about the area's history. Economically, the park encourages ecotourism, stimulates spending on sports, and increases property value. However, the park's concerts may contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and litter, which can contribute to trash collection and consumerism. Despite these drawbacks, parks are a valuable tool for improving civilian health and the environment, while also promoting economic progress.
Rhode Island is the smallest state in the US, but it is making a significant impact in climate change mitigation. The state is promoting green infrastructure, such as rain gardens and green roofs, coastal restoration, and renewable energy sources. Rhode Island has also set ambitious goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase energy efficiency, and transition to a green economy. The state's Climate Change Action Plan identifies actions to reduce emissions, enhance resilience, and promote the transition to a green economy.
Vermont
Aquatic Environment - Lake Wise
Echo Lake in East Charleston, Vermont, has become the first recipient of the Vermont Gold Lake Wise Award, an initiative launched by the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources. The program awards lakeshore property owners who work towards preserving the quality of the neighboring aquatic environment. Vermont ranks lowest in the northeast ecoregion and in the nation for degraded shore land disturbance. The program offers Best Management Practices (BPM) to establish protective lakeshore landscaping, including solutions to minimize development, reduce erosion and runoff, support native vegetation, and stabilize septic systems. BMPs include installing rain gardens, infiltration stairs, and top waterbars. The Lake Wise award program incentivizes neighbors to protect the lake environment and generates social and economic benefits. Property owners can enjoy a beautiful, vibrant natural space with improved water quality for drinking and recreation. Additionally, the program can contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation by adding vegetation, sequestering atmospheric carbon, improving soil quality, biodiversity, and water quality. Native flora attract essential pollinators, supporting ecosystem productivity and creating storm-resilient properties.
Sustainable Agriculture - Mob-grazing
Modern livestock farming often produces compound feed products, increasing nitrous oxide emissions and releasing stored carbon. Mob-grazing, a livestock management technique, mimics natural grazing and migration patterns of herbivore cattle, encouraging constant movement of high-density cattle herds. Bread and Butter Farm in Shelburne, VT, has experienced a 400% improvement in plant productivity since implementing this system. This approach can shift agricultural livestock practices from contributing to the climate crisis to becoming part of the solution. Regenerative livestock agriculture improves biodiversity, moisture retention, fertility, and carbon sequestration of soil. Mob-grazing prevents repeated defoliation, increases perennialization, and reduces hay purchases and time expenses for winter bedded pack systems. This nature-based solution can generate higher income for farmers and lower costs over time compared to concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs). However, the higher upfront costs and need for increased labor may pose financial obstacles to certain farms. The impact of mob-grazing on soil carbon sequestration depends on factors like previous management practices, climate, vegetation, soil microbiome, and soil type. Combining mob-grazing management with other regenerative practices can be most efficient.
Sustainable Forestry - Silvopasture
Silvopasture is an agroforestry practice that combines trees and grazing livestock on the same land. It can be used in two ways: introducing foraging to tree plantations or woodlands or introducing trees into a pasture/grazing system. The practice has gained popularity in the Northeast due to increased education. Examples include Maple Wind Farm in Richmond, Vermont, which uses silvopasture alongside rotational grazing to reduce heat stress in animals and increase product value. Silvopasture also benefits wildlife by creating habitats, filtering water, and protecting soil from erosion. It also optimizes tree and crop production through periodic thinning, pruning, and understory control. Additionally, livestock fertilization may increase tree growth. Silvopasture can provide multiple income sources and aesthetic value to land, but it has faced mixed reviews due to lack of accurate information and potential mismanagement.
Urban Spaces - Recovery Green Roofs Design Build
Green roofs are a form of a nature-based solution in which a vegetated layer is designed and built on top of a building's roof. Their primary function is to provide a variety of advantages such as stormwater management, minimizing the urban heat island effect and enhancing air quality (US EPA, 2014). Green roofs function by receiving and holding rainwater and gently releasing it through evaporation and transpiration by plants. This can assist to lower the amount and velocity of stormwater runoff, hence reducing floods and the stress on stormwater infrastructure. Green roofs may provide an area for urban agriculture, boosting local food security, and they can help buildings consume less energy by adding insulation and shade. Green roofs can enhance local air quality by absorbing and filtering pollutants by providing habitat for flora. They can also assist to reduce the urban heat island effect by giving additional shade, lowering energy consumption, and decreasing heat absorption by hard surfaces like concrete and asphalt (Master Balcony Green Roof, 2023).Green roofs can provide a variety of social and economic benefits in addition to environmental benefits. They can also reduce the need for costly stormwater management infrastructure, ultimately saving communities money.
Vermont is known for its natural beauty, and the state government is taking steps to preserve it. Vermont is moving towards a green economy by promoting sustainable agriculture and forestry, green infrastructure, and renewable energy. The state is also focusing on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing energy efficiency. Vermont's Agency of Natural Resources has also developed the Vermont Climate Action Plan to guide the state's initiatives in mitigating climate change.
Massachusetts
Aquatic Environment - Great Marsh Project
One of the largest nature-based solutions in the state is the Great Marsh Project. The Great Marsh is the largest contiguous salt marsh in New England and borders five coastal towns: Gloucester, Essex, Ipswich, Newbury, and Rowley (Great Marsh ACEC). It is a diverse ecosystem of barrier beaches, dunes, and bodies of water and it provides many economic and ecological benefits. This project focuses on dune nourishment, native vegetation planting, salt marsh habitat restoration, and sediment transport modeling. It also aims to repair the remnants of ditching – an agricultural practice that disrupts the natural tidal flow and drainage of the marsh. It is essential to maintain the health of this ecosystem, because it is an incredibly important habitat for many types of animals including large migratory fish such as alewives and smelt and rare birds like the seaside sparrow and the least tern (Great Marsh ACEC). The area is used for fishing, shellfishing, tourism and recreation. It also provides critical protection for people and property by acting as a natural buffer to storms and sea level rise. Marsh environments also capture and store carbon from the atmosphere which helps combat climate change. The main drawback with these restoration projects is typically the cost, as it can be expensive and difficult to support long-term projects such as this one. However, this project specifically has received multiple grants including $1 million from the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (Trustees), and the benefits of restoring ecosystems like the Great Marsh far outweigh the costs.
Sustainable Agriculture - Biochar
New England Biochar, a Massachusetts company, is promoting sustainable agriculture by repurposing local biomass as biochar. The company, founded by a farmer on Cape Cod, uses pyrolysis to produce biochar, which improves soil fertility, increases nutrients, reduces irrigation, and increases crop yield. Biochar's lightweight and porous nature attracts beneficial soil microorganisms, sequesters 50% of source carbon, and creates a renewable energy source for rural areas. This resource increases soil resilience and minimizes the need for tilling, which helps store carbon and water. Developing high-quality soil is crucial for climate change adaptation, as it reduces the use of irrigation and ensures high crop yields.
Sustainable Forestry - Silvopasture
Silvopasture is an agroforestry practice that combines trees and grazing livestock on the same land. It can be used in two ways: introducing foraging to tree plantations or woodlands or introducing trees into a pasture/grazing system. The practice has gained popularity in the Northeast due to increased education. Examples include Maple Wind Farm in Richmond, Vermont, which uses silvopasture alongside rotational grazing to reduce heat stress in animals and increase product value. Silvopasture also benefits wildlife by creating habitats, filtering water, and protecting soil from erosion. It also optimizes tree and crop production through periodic thinning, pruning, and understory control. Additionally, livestock fertilization may increase tree growth. Silvopasture can provide multiple income sources and aesthetic value to land, but it has faced mixed reviews due to lack of accurate information and potential mismanagement.
Urban Spaces - Alley Cropping
Alley cropping is another nature-based solution that mitigates threats such as coastal flooding and rising temperatures. Alley cropping is a form of agroforestry where trees and occasionally shrubs are planted in rows between crops. These alleys provide numerous benefits to the crops and the land itself. This method is being tested at the Stockbridge Agricultural Learning Center in Massachusetts and it hopes to teach students a new approach to farming that could also benefit the climate (Stockbridge School of Agriculture 2022). This solution offers many benefits to its surrounding ecosystem: it reduces land degradation, improves biodiversity, reduces soil erosion, increases water filtration, adds organic carbon to soil, and improves crop health. Trees that are planted can protect against wind, insects, and extreme temperatures while also increasing pollination and creating habitats for various species at different niches. Trees can act as windbreaks in the case of extreme storms caused by climate change, they can act as a barrier against pests for other crops, and they can also mitigate the effects of flooding which can reduce land degradation and wetland loss near vulnerable coastal areas (AgriFarming 2020). One drawback, however, is that alley cropping can be more labor intensive than a traditional farm and can make it difficult to use certain equipment, thereby creating an obstacle to crop cultivation. Thus, it is important to make design considerations with obstacles and conditions of the land in mind before implementing alley cropping.
Massachusetts is at the forefront of climate change mitigation efforts, including nature-based solutions. The state is investing in green infrastructure, coastal resiliency, and promoting renewable energy sources. Massachusetts has also set ambitious goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to a green economy. The state's Climate Change Adaptation Plan identifies strategies and actions to reduce the risks of climate change impacts, such as flooding and sea-level rise.
Aquatic Environment - Wetlands
Wetlands are water treatment systems that are used to fortify vegetation, soil, and other healthy bacteria. They are composed of pools of water and many species of vegetation. They improve the water quality of the surrounding areas by allowing water to slowly flow through the wetlands and trapping sediment, nutrients, and unhealthy pollutants. Additionally, they are aesthetically pleasing and can reduce odors typically associated with wastewater. The Maine Wetland Program, a division of the Maine Department of Environmental Protection, offers a comprehensive monitoring program that assesses the health of wetlands throughout the state. Each wetland is monitored for the amount of algae and macro invertebrates living in the water. There are excellent indicators of the water quality, as even small changes from pollutants or other toxins cause these levels to change. Keeping these wetlands in optimal health ensures that flooding prevention and water absorption are maximized. It also keeps wells from going dry due to consistent water flow. Though the solution is fairly labor-intensive, it is comparatively less expensive than traditional wastewater treatment options and has low operating costs. Overall, this nature-based solution is a good choice for using water to mitigate climate change.
Sustainable Agriculture - Packard Littlefield Farm
Packard Littlefield Farm, located in Lisbon, Maine, is a regenerative farm that practices organic farming to preserve ecosystems and utilize organic animal manure instead of chemical fertilizers. The farm, owned by the Daley Family and protected by the Androscoggin Land Trust and the Farms for Maine Future Program, provides land, food security, and training to refugees and immigrants. The farm uses no-till techniques to prevent carbon dioxide emissions and maintain soil integrity, making the soil healthier and more effective at storing carbon and nutrients. Locally grown crops also reduce transportation emissions, keeping produce fresh with fewer preservatives. Additionally, crops and plants provide fresh oxygenated air and absorb carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, which helps mitigate climate change. Socially, Packard Littlefield Farm offers financial assets and food security to immigrants and refugees, while also fostering a healthy community through the provision of fresh and local produce. The sale of local foods boosts the regional economy and deters the payment of large importing costs on foreign produce. Overall, regenerational farms support ecosystems and promote healthy communities while also benefiting the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change.
Sustainable Forestry - Forest Carbon Task Force
The Forest Carbon Task Force was created by the local Maine government and was primarily developed as a result of the state’s 4-year climate action plan. The program aims to develop a voluntary program for small-to-medium-size woodland owners in Maine who want to utilize their land for long-term storage of carbon emissions. There are a variety of benefits that are associated with the Carbon Task Force, the obvious being that more carbon emissions are stored in the forest and the air is cleaner. This program also helps conserve forests so endangered and critical species are not at risk for habitat loss. Aside from the ecological benefits, this program can help jumpstart the local economy and bring the community together. However, some things need to be taken into consideration when implementing this program. Firstly, this program requires a lot of funding, which is not always accessible to the government. This program also takes a lot of time to implement and only works if local woodland owners volunteer to be a part of the program. Local laws and policies also may dictate how the program runs. Overall, this is a really great program that can be a useful tool for small local communities in Maine to combat climate change.
Urban Spaces - Green Roof Eco-Home
Near New Meadows River, a new homeowner wanted a house that was eco-friendly and consciously made, so she decided to construct an eco-home with a green roof. Her house contains a “planted roof”, which is a roof that has a variety of plants growing on it. It also mainly uses natural materials for the rest of the house, such as different types of timber and stone flooring. Natural sunlight lights up and heats the house, lowering emissions and heating costs (Falzano, 2012). These types of homes provide homeowners with a sustainable, cost-effective house that keeps them close to nature. In addition, they are extremely beneficial to the environment that surrounds them. Minimal development is needed to build these homes, and they allow animals and insects to stay in the area. Furthermore, less pollution is emitted into the environment, they are more energy efficient, and planted roofs reduce water runoff (Falzano, 2012). These houses also give people more opportunities to be outside while they tend to their planted roofs, and they cost less than traditionally-built houses. However, one drawback is that zoning limitations or other regulations could inhibit the construction of an ideal structure. Eco-homes like these are an important solution that can help Maine reduce its carbon footprint.
Maine's vast forested areas provide an excellent opportunity for nature-based solutions to mitigate climate change. The state government is actively promoting sustainable forestry practices, such as selective harvesting, to reduce carbon emissions. Maine is also promoting innovative solutions like green infrastructure, coastal restoration, and conservation actions to mitigate climate change effects.
Maine
Aquatic Environment - Mill River Trail Green Infrastructure Park
The Save the Sound project in New Haven, Connecticut, aimed to restore a vacant lot into an environmentally friendly space with green infrastructure. Around 12,000 square feet of asphalt was removed, and replaced with green infrastructure, including gardens and swales, creating a bioretention park. This infrastructure is particularly useful for stormwater runoff and drainage, as water flows into retention areas and is absorbed and purified by native vegetation. The project provides vital ecosystem services, including increased native vegetation, capturing atmospheric carbon dioxide, and removing invasive species that decline biodiversity. It also offers social and economic benefits, as the green infrastructure can absorb excess water, saving community members from flooding costs. The project aims to connect the green space to the Mill River Trail and nearby neighborhoods, allowing easy access for community members. Additionally, the project engages students in the New Haven area, teaching them the importance of environmental stewardship and climate change mitigation.
Sustainable Agriculture - Connecticut Renewable Energy Program
The Connecticut Renewable Energy project, implemented by the Connecticut Farm Energy Program, aims to help local farmers set up renewable energy systems using wind and solar energy. The program gathers quotes from multiple renewable energy vendors, assists with grant applications, and provides financial assistance to those struggling to afford them. This program helps farmers reduce their energy usage, making them more environmentally friendly and financially self-sufficient. However, there are drawbacks to this program, such as not all farms are suitable for renewable energy systems, and the cost of initial installation may be high without grants or financial assistance. Additionally, there are no large policies in place that would prevent this program or farmers from implementing renewable energy systems into local Connecticut farms, allowing them to run their farms more sustainably and efficiently. Overall, this small-scale project can be a valuable small-scale solution for Connecticut to combat climate change by reducing carbon-emitting energy sources.
Sustainable Forestry - MassCon Sustainable Forest Partnership
MassCon Sustainable Forest Partnership is a regional conservation partnership in Massachusetts and Connecticut, working to promote sustainable forestry and protect forests and land. They connect people and groups with resources and find new ways to promote forest conservation. MassCon is funded through grants and funds from the Norcross Wildlife Foundation and other grants secured through their projects. Sustainable forest management prevents natural disasters, averts ecological food system collapse, and serves as carbon sinks, absorbing greenhouse gas emissions to limit climate change acceleration. Socially, it reduces natural disasters and creates resilient cities. Economically, it adds value to areas, allowing ecotourism. However, sustainable forest management faces obstacles such as opposition from people seeking land for agriculture, trees for wood, or believing the area is not valuable enough for preservation and investment. Additionally, disputes over property rights can create conflicts. The effectiveness of sustainable forest management depends on how it is managed, the solutions adapted for its care, and the responsibility and care leaders take on. Preserving forests is beneficial for climate change as they serve as carbon sinks, but determining who is responsible for investing in its preservation can be challenging.
Urban Spaces - Bioswales
For Connecticut, as one of the fourteen states with coastline along the Atlantic Ocean, proper drainage and stormwater maintenance is essential for the comfort of its residents. These systems are also necessary for the survival of its diverse ecosystem and for overall climate change mitigation. Bioswales offer alternatives to concrete gutter and storm sewers. They are made of low-lying vegetated areas that absorb and convey stormwater runoff. Bioswales are unique in their ability to redirect water from smaller rainfall events but can also be incorporated into a larger stormwater management system. Additionally, bioswale green gardens may improve public health by reducing sediment and metal waste and improving the overall appearance of recreational areas. Bioswales have been particularly successful in the city of New Haven, who as of 2019 had installed more than 200 bioswales throughout the center of the city. Drawbacks to this green space are generally maintenance related. Bioswales must be maintained just as any other landscaping (i.e. pruning, weeding, and trash removal), however, cannot be mowed or trimmed below the design depth. Moreover, sedimentation buildup and blockages can occur without periodic upkeep. In general, bioswales are a suitable and visually appealing drainage system.
Connecticut is taking significant steps towards mitigating climate change by promoting nature-based solutions. The state is investing in green infrastructure, such as urban forests and green roofs, sustainable land use practices, and renewable energy sources. Connecticut has also set ambitious goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to a green economy, including a target to reduce emissions by 45% below 2001 levels by 2030. The state's Climate Change Preparedness and Resilience Plan identifies actions to improve the resilience of natural and built systems to climate change impacts.
Connecticut
Aquatic Environment - Salt Reduction Program
The Salt Reduction Program in New Hampshire was created when an environmental group saw how the overuse of salt during the winter was having huge ecological impacts. Salt often ends up in freshwater environments and can cause lots of problems. Hence, this program works with local communities and local governments to help pass new policies and laws regarding the amount of salt used on the roads during the winter.The program's main goal is to try and reduce the amount of salt used during the winter. The program also has an education department to help local snow removal businesses become more eco-friendly. There are a couple of benefits that can arise from this program. For instance, this program helps prevent the damage of freshwater environments, protects wildlife from consuming dangerous amounts of salt, and reduces the amount of money businesses have to spend on salt. However, in order for this program to work successfully, local community members and politicians need to agree to use less salt and the environmentally friendly alternative provided by the program needs to be as effective as salt. The program also will take quite a bit of time to implement and could be costly to run. Overall, if granted enough time and a large enough budget this program is a great small-scale project to fight climate change and protect aquatic environments.
Sustainable Agriculture - Agricultural Composting
Agricultural composting is a sustainable solution for reducing waste, improving soil health, and mitigating climate change. Researchers at UNH's Organic Dairy Research Farm have developed an innovative composting program that uses multiple facilities, including an aerated static pile, to produce high-quality compost products. This process involves the aerobic biological decomposition of organic materials like manure, leaves, bedding, and crop waste, resulting in stable soil amendments. Agricultural composting offers numerous benefits to farmers and communities, including reducing waste, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers, and eliminating pesticide demand. It also improves soil structure, water-holding capacity, and nutrient availability, leading to greater crop yields and improved plant health. Additionally, agricultural composting reduces the risk of nutrient enrichment and water contamination, making it a low-cost alternative to synthetic fertilizers, especially for small-scale farmers who may not have access to or cannot afford synthetic fertilizers. Despite the significant physical labor and additional expenses, agricultural composting has a positive impact on the environment, human health, and climate change.
Sustainable Forestry - The Conservation Stewardship Program
The Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) is a voluntary conservation program administered by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) of the USDA, located throughout the United States, including New Hampshire. It provides financial and technical assistance to private landowners to improve their land management practices sustainably. CSP offers incentives for adopting new conservation practices or enhancing existing ones to improve soil health, biodiversity, and water quality. Examples of CSP practices include planting cover crops and incorporating diverse wildlife habitats into land management plans. These practices can reduce soil erosion and nutrient runoff, while restoring wildlife habitats supports pollinators and other beneficial species. The CSP benefits the ecosystem, local communities, and the ecosystem by promoting sustainable forestry practices, improving livelihoods of farmers and rural communities. The program also supports farmers and rural communities by providing "green payments" for improving ecosystem health and productivity in forests and agricultural land. By reducing soil erosion and improving water quality, the program protects public health and reduces the need for costly environmental remediation efforts. Despite potential drawbacks, the CSP is a successful strategy for combating climate change by encouraging environmentally friendly agroforestry techniques that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance soil health.
Urban Spaces - Durham Climate Action Plan
In the city of Durham, a comprehensive climate action plan was created in October 2022 in order to give the city a concrete plan to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. Using this plan, Durham will find ways to transition to energy efficient buildings, higher EV use, composting, and reducing waste. They will also be able to implement the sustainable managing and successful conservation of more land to protect natural resources and to mitigate climate change in the town. It helps the environment by reducing pollutants in the ground and in the atmosphere, protecting wildlife in natural areas, reducing greenhouse gas emissions from numerous sectors, and improving the carbon sequestration abilities of trees and soil. Durham’s plan also creates jobs in each sector it is targeting, especially in the clean energy and green transportation ones. However, the plan relies a lot on community support and action (CAPTF, 2022). People may not follow guidelines, which would make it ineffective. Additionally, it is unclear how the plan is funded, so the objectives may not be met if funding is not fully provided. There is currently no statewide climate plan in place, so this could be a good model for New Hampshire to adopt.
New Hampshire has a diverse landscape, from the White Mountains to the coastline, making it an ideal place for nature-based solutions to combat climate change. The state has implemented several initiatives, such as sustainable land use practices, like preventing urban sprawl and protecting farmland and forests from development. New Hampshire is also promoting green infrastructure, such as bioswales and rain gardens, and has set a goal to power the state with renewable energy by 2040.
