Photo Credit: Steve Heaslip | Cape Cod Times
Aerial view looking North taken from private property shows the demolition of the Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge visitors center and office buildings in Chatham because of continued erosion. Photo taken April 10, 2024.
May 31, 2025 | Cape Cod Times | By Heather McCarron
Coastal roads are flooding more often. Beaches are falling back. Storms are getting more fierce. As the effects of climate change become increasingly visible in Chatham, town leaders are turning to the people who know the community best to help shape a local response.
In partnership with the Chatham Climate Action Network, the Energy and Climate Action Committee is conducting a community survey asking those who live and work in Chatham to share their concerns, experiences and ideas for facing climate change.
“The inspiration came from our growing need to better understand local perspectives and priorities as we plan for the future,” said Natural Resources Director Greg Berman. The 12-question survey, he said, “is a step in implementing the Select Board’s goal of integrating climate change projections with decarbonization initiatives to ensure environmental sustainability, promote coastal resiliency, and protect Chatham’s natural resources over the next five years.”
Prompted in part by findings from the 2022 Massachusetts Climate Change Assessment, the survey focuses on climate-related risks that are particularly relevant to Cape Cod. Those include rising ocean temperatures, sea level rise, more destructive storms, and the growing threat of drought, wildfires, and effects on public health as a result of hotter air temperatures.
Survey participants are asked to consider a range of questions — from their personal concerns about warming ocean and air temperatures, to how they’ve been affected by rising homeowners’ insurance costs, and whether they support new policies or funding for resilience measures.
Among the potential actions the town could take are:
- Risk assessments and planning for vulnerable isolated neighborhoods.
- Strengthening bylaws and regulations for areas at risk from sea level rise and flooding.
- Identifying septic systems vulnerable to rising groundwater.
- Developing shoreline management strategies.
- Expanding emergency preparedness outreach.
- Educating real estate professionals and the public about coastal risks.
- Planting shade trees and addressing threats to water supply and quality.
- Funding resilience efforts through local taxes or fees.
The survey, which runs through July 20, is the first of two. A second survey, to follow later this year, will address energy use and emissions reduction strategies.
To take part in the Chatham Community Climate Survey, visit the Chatham Community Climate Survey.