Resilient Boston Harbor
Learn about our climate-ready vision to enhance Boston’s waterfront. We want to protect Boston's neighborhoods from sea level rise and flooding due to climate change.
Climate change is real for Bostonians. We’ve all seen hotter summers and flooding during winter storms, nor'easters, and King Tides. The City is paying attention to the science. We’re also preparing for the impacts of climate change.
The maps and images below lay out our comprehensive vision of coastal resilience. It’s an opportunity to invest in our neighborhoods, waterfront, and open spaces.
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Climate Ready Boston
Learn more about the City's efforts to prepare for climate change, including rising sea levels, extreme heat, and extreme weather events.
Resilient Boston Harbor
We can protect our coastal community by creating resilient, accessible open spaces, and prepared buildings and infrastructure.
Understanding the vision
Boston Harbor Vision
We need to create resilient, accessible open spaces and prepared buildings and infrastructure.
100-year storm event
A map of Boston Harbor in 2070 with 40 inches of sea level rise during a 100-year storm event.
Legend
View a legend to better understand our maps and images.
Resilient Boston Harbor concept
By keeping resilience and accessibility in mind, we can create a new Boston waterfront.
East Boston vision
Redesigned waterfront parks create flood protection and improve access and recreation. Restored marshes at Belle Isle prevent these natural resources from being lost. They also buffer our shoreline from waves and storm surge. New resilient developments add public access to open space and transit corridors include flood protection through elevation.
East Boston
East Boston vision
We need to create resilient, accessible open spaces and prepared buildings and infrastructure.
100-year storm event
A map of East Boston in 2070 with 40 inches of sea level rise during a 100-year storm event.
Constitution Beach
A renovated and resilient Constitution Beach blocks a flood pathway while improving open space and recreation.
Neighborhood initiatives
Ongoing and planned City and partner initiatives to put our vision in place.
Downtown and North End vision
- Christopher Columbus Park
- Langone/ Puopolo Park, and
- Sargent’s Wharf
These designs create vibrant and resilient waterfront parks that are gateways to Boston Harbor. They also connect to the Greenway and protect the neighborhood from flooding.
Downtown and North End
Downtown and North End vision
We need to create resilient, accessible open spaces and prepared buildings and infrastructure.
100-year storm event
A map of downtown Boston in 2070 with 40 inches of sea level rise during a 100-year storm event.
Long Wharf and the Aquarium
We have a new design for Christopher Columbus Park. We’re also planning for enhanced water transportation at Long Wharf.
Neighborhood initiatives
Ongoing and planned City and partner initiatives to put our vision in place.
South Boston vision
We’re designing a resilient, protective Moakley Park and re-envisioned Fort Point Channel. These areas work together to block major flood pathways.
South Boston
South Boston vision
We need to create resilient, accessible open spaces and prepared buildings and infrastructure.
100-year storm event
A map of South Boston in 2070 with 40 inches of sea level rise during a 100-year storm event.
Neighborhood initiatives
Ongoing and planned City and partner initiatives to put our vision in place.
Moakley Park Vision Plan
A comprehensive vision plan for the park addressing coastal and storm water flooding.
Dorchester vision
We envision a resilient, accessible, and connected shoreline in Dorchester. We want to expand beaches and create better access to the waterfront.
Dorchester
Dorchester vision
We need to create resilient, accessible open spaces and prepared buildings and infrastructure.
100-year storm event
A map of Dorchester in 2070 with 40 inches of sea level rise during a 100-year storm event.
Dorchester shoreway
We need to expand beaches and tidal marsh at Tenean Beach and Victory Beach. We'll increase open waterfront space and reduce flooding.
Neighborhood initiatives
Ongoing and planned City and partner initiatives to put our vision in place.
Harbor Projects Map
Resilience toolkit
Adapted infrastructure
We need elevated roadways, strengthened seawalls, and flood barriers. We must protect public rights-of-way and the communities and businesses behind them.
Protective waterfront parks
Waterfronts include living shorelines, beaches, elevated parks, and access to water transportation. We improve our waterfront while blocking flood pathways.
Elevated harborwalks
By improving elevation and access, we can use our harborwalk system as way to protect against floods.
Latest news
Latest news
More resources
Climate Ready Boston
Learn about ways Boston is preparing for sea level rise, storms, and extreme temperatures.
Climate Change and Environmental Planning
The Boston Planning and Development Agency is planning for a vibrant and accessible waterfront.
Green Building and Climate Resiliency Guidelines
The Green Building Code and Climate Resiliency Policy ensures that major buildings are sustainable.
Climate Resilient Infrastructure Guidelines
Read the new guidelines for resilient public right-of-ways.
Coastal Resilience Project Tracker
Track the coastal resilience projects on Boston's shoreline.
Flooding in Boston
Boston's flood risk is on the rise. Here are ways you can be prepared.
