| When
a community is on-the-edge, as Cape Cod is, all members of the community
face critical choices. Decisions made now by individuals,
leaders and institutions will determine which way the Cape “tips”
– toward a healthy future or toward a future characterized by economic
crisis, environmental collapse and human suffering. An informed
public, visionary leaders and engaged institutions can choose to
take strong effective action to sustain the health and prosperity
of the Cape. Or we can continue to delay making needed changes.
Even after our leaders, residents,
institutions and businesses agree to work toward a sustainable Cape
Cod, we will likely find that progress appears to be slow as the
transition is made. For some time in the foreseeable future,
it may not appear that we are making much progess at all. But we
must remember that although progress may seem incremental, by working together we can build the required momentum to stimulate change and create a more sustainable future.
The
Sustainability Indicators Council feels strongly that the window
of opportunity for making clear choices is rapidly narrowing.
With this critical window in mind, throughout this Report the Council
has highlighted specific recommendations for actions that we can
take to promote a sustainable future. It is imperative for
each of us to make thoughtful and informed choices if we want to
ensure that this unique and beautiful place that we call Cape Cod
endures.
Although
much more needs to be done, many Cape Codders have already begun
working toward to a sustainable future. The following steps
recently taken by visionary leaders, engaged institutions and informed
individuals on Cape Cod and in Massachusetts is not comprehensive.
Many more positive actions are being taken at all levels
than we can report. And equally as important, this list is
the beginning – it reflects Cape Cod’s incipient efforts to change
the direction of our future for the first time in history.
The Sustainability Indicators Council encourages each person on
Cape Cod join the effort to achieve a sustainable Cape Cod within
our lifetimes. Our children’s future, our world as we know
it, depends on it.
Consider
these recent accomplishments:
Accessible
Services:
Balanced
Demographics:
- Annual Multicultural Festivals at
Cape Cod Community College
Continuous
Education:
- Formation of Cape Cod Community
College’s Creative Economy Task Force for entrepreneurial business
diversity ( in 2006?)
- Development of Cape
Cod Community College curriculum for marine science and technology,
sustainability, diversity, entrepreneurial business, energy conservation
and energy efficiency
Creative
Economy:
- Growing recognition of the contribution
of the arts to the local economy
- Growing recognition for the marine
science and technology sectors of the economy
Directed
Growth:
Good
Health:
Integrated
Infrastructure:
- Orleans Wireless Initiative to create
a wireless high speed internet area in downtown Orleans
- Formation of the Cape
Cod Technology Council'’s Technology Development Center with
the goal of making scientific technology available to local business
- The Wireless Initiative to connect
the University of Massachusetts, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute,
Cape Cod Community College, local schools and public safety organizations
via a dependable industrial strength wifi system
Valued
Ecosystems:
- Massachusetts Department of Environmental
Protection regulation CMR729 that requires a 50% reduction in
nitrogen oxide emissions (NOX)
- Construction of individual green
homes and institutions
- Adoption of the
ICLEI Climate Protection Plan by the towns of Falmouth
and Barnstable
- Removal of tidal restrictions and
restoration of wetland function in West Barnstable, Truro and
Dennis
- Calculation of Total Maximum Daily
Loads of nitrogen for the Chatham and Falmouth coastal embayments
- Passage of the Community
Preservation Act in Cape Cod towns
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