Winter Climate Adaptation in Worcester

The Students: Muhammad Hassan Dajana and Camila Gomez Gutierrez, candidates for MS in Community Climate Adaptation

The Advisors: Associate Professor of Teaching Stephen McCauley and Professor Sarah Strauss, The Global School

The study explored the impacts of climate change on Worcester during the winter season, focusing on the vulnerability of critical infrastructure and populations. The City of Worcester identified winter/ice storms as one of the climate hazards that the city needs to prepare for to increase its resiliency. Anticipated winter climate change risks include winter flooding, freezing rain, and shifting precipitation patterns from snow to rain. Vulnerabilities identified are disruptions to internet connectivity, school closures, and overflowed drainage systems. At-risk populations include the elderly, homeless, disabled, and non-English speaking residents.

Dajana and Gomez Gutierrez incorporated archival research on winter storms that the city has experienced. They also surveyed 565 City residents on their perceptions of winter storms and conducted 38 semi-structured interviews with other stakeholders, including city officials, National Grid representatives, climate experts, representatives from community organizations and residents. This research was conducted in collaboration with the City of Worcester’s Department of Sustainability and Resilience.

Infrastructure:

• Review the stormwater and combined sewer systems to manage the expected increased winter rainfall.
• Investigate incorporating permeable surfaces in areas prone to flooding.
• Evaluate incorporating bioretention systems for stormwater flooding.
• Assess the incorporation of eco-friendly de-icing agents.
• Determine the possibility of implementing permeable pavement design in future infrastructure projects.
• Consider employing roadway materials that can support rapid temperature fluctuations.
• Evaluate expanding broadband internet options.
• Explore the feasibility of having a backup satellite internet service.
• Conduct a cost-benefit analysis of targeted modernizations in areas at high risk.
• Select tree species that are resistant to ice and heavy snow.
• Continue existing coordination on tree trimming with National Grid.

Social Vulnerabilities:

• Make multilingual emergency information for winter storms more accessible.
• Update the Emergency Communications website for disaster preparedness.
• Develop and implement education programs on emergency preparedness before, during, and after winter storms.
• Build partnerships with college campuses and organizations to increase the number of available volunteers.
• Leverage multi-channel communication strategies to share services.
• Expand warming centers.
• Evaluate students’ food insecurity and partner with community organizations for short-term relief during extended closures.
• Partner with local day care centers for temporary childcare.

Worcester has the knowledge, plan, and commitment needed to adapt to the challenges of a changing winter climate. By transforming its strategies into action, the city can emerge as a leader in climate resilience among mid-sized U.S. cities, ensuring its residents a safer, more sustainable future.