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By Dave Barnett President Emeritus

f we genuinely care about future generations , we must act now to protect planet Earth . The effects of climate change are clear , and it will take all working together to reduce the devastating damage happening here at home and around the globe . It is time for bold action !

Mount Auburn took a new bold step in June 2021 with the formal adoption by the Board of Trustees of a Climate Action & Sustainability Plan . The ambitious goals outlined in this new Plan aim to make the Cemetery carbon neutral by the year 2050 while also addressing broader environmental , social , and economic concerns . The Plan builds upon decades of ecologically sensitive best practices to further reduce the impacts of Mount Auburn ’ s landscape maintenance , burial , and cremation activities . The Plan also outlines goals to create a resilient and healthy ecosystem that benefits Mount Auburn ’ s flora and fauna while ensuring that all staff and visitors are valued , respected , and engaged . Lastly , the Plan makes an institutional commitment to align our financial investments with our values and the environmental and social stances we support . Ultimately , this Plan is about reducing what we take while increasing what we give back to the planet and the community .

The formal adoption of a Climate Action & Sustainability Plan marks the achievement of a significant milestone in Mount Auburn ’ s broader 18-Month Strategic Bridge Plan . With initiatives organized into three themes — Openness and Welcome , Beauty and Serenity , and Stewardship and Sustainability — the Bridge Plan will strengthen Mount Auburn ’ s core mission and build a foundation to support its future aspirations .

Here are some of the highlights of Mount Auburn ’ s

Climate Action & Sustainability Plan :

• Achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 .

• Build resilience to environmental stress by increasing the biodiversity of Mount Auburn ’ s plant collections .

• Create healthy conditions for urban wildlife .

• Connect the community with Mount Auburn ’ s landscape through thoughtful educational programming and increased volunteer opportunities .

• Inspire individuals , peer organizations , and communities to be sustainable by sharing our knowledge and celebrating our successes .

Read the entire Climate Action & Sustainability Plan on our website and stay tuned for regular Plan updates in future issues of Sweet Auburn .