Massachusetts Committee Supports Climate Change Super Fund to Combat Health Risks

The Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources convened on September 2, 2025, to address pressing issues related to climate change and public health in Massachusetts. The meeting highlighted the increasing frequency and intensity of heat waves, with Boston experiencing three heat emergencies this summer alone. The heat index reached 95 degrees or higher for at least two consecutive days, leading to a documented increase in emergency medical service calls by 10 to 15 percent and a 33 percent rise in hospitalizations among older adults.

Health professionals underscored the severe consequences of extreme heat, which not only raises the risk of heat-related illnesses but also exacerbates conditions such as heart attacks, strokes, and respiratory issues. The meeting also addressed the growing threat of tick and mosquito-borne diseases, with notable increases in Lyme disease and babesiosis reported in Massachusetts. The geographic range of these diseases is expanding due to rising temperatures, with new health risks emerging, such as a recent case of Vibrio vulnificus infection on Cape Cod.

Dr. Susan Racine, a retired internist and co-chair of Greater Boston Physicians for Social Responsibility, advocated for the passage of legislation aimed at establishing a climate change super fund. This fund would generate necessary resources to combat the health impacts of climate change, which the American Medical Association has classified as a public health crisis. Dr. Racine emphasized the need for vulnerability mapping to identify communities most at risk and to develop targeted interventions.

Demi Stethopoulos, representing UU Mass Action, echoed the call for action, urging the committee to favorably report on the proposed legislation. Stethopoulos highlighted the interconnectedness of climate issues and social justice, stressing that the impacts of climate change affect all residents of Massachusetts.

The committee's discussions underscored the urgent need for legislative action to address the health consequences of climate change, particularly as federal support diminishes. The proposed legislation aims to hold fossil fuel companies accountable for their contributions to greenhouse gas emissions and to secure funding for preventive health programs and medical care related to climate-induced health issues. The meeting concluded with a strong call for collaboration and action to safeguard the health of Massachusetts residents in the face of escalating climate challenges.