Climate Action Plan: The Vineyard Way

Connected to Our Past, Committed to Our Future

In 2022, our six distinct towns, the Wampanoag Tribe, and community partners came together to write the story of a tight-knit community that rises to the climate challenge by developing a climate action plan, The Vineyard Way. To do so, we drew on our connections to nature and each other to consider climate-resilient actions for our homes, roads, beaches, education and workforce, energy, and food. We’re navigating uncharted waters, but we’re doing it together.

Download the full PDF of The Vineyard Way - Climate Action Plan.

Quote from tribal member of the steering committee.

Climate Action Plan

Land Acknowledgement

We acknowledge that the land and water addressed in this climate action plan is the traditional land and water of the Wampanoag people. We acknowledge the Wampanoag people’s reverent stewardship of the natural world, of which we are all a part. 

With deep respect for the Wampanoag community, we strive in this plan to nurture the natural environment that sustains us all.

Climate Action Plan

Our Purpose

The Vineyard Way is our guide to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, managing the impacts of climate change, and creating a healthier and more resilient community for everyone. 

As an Island community, we face unique climate-related challenges including sea level rise, and stronger storms with higher storm surges. These and other impacts will affect our health and safety natural resources, transportation, infrastructure, and our largely seasonal, visitor-based economy. By proactively preparing for these impacts, we will be more prepared and better able withstand their effects. 

Learn how climate change will impact the Island


Climate Action Plan

Our Story

Watch this video to hear what The Vineyard Way plan means for members of our community. We all care about our island's future. It's time to leverage our community's strengths and come together to take collective action for a better tomorrow!

Group members sit at round tables in a meeting in a large room.

Climate and Action

Developing the Plan

The locally based approach to planning and outreach was aimed at strengthening our resilience by building on the capacity of our local leaders to organize, communicate, and facilitate the development of collaborative climate solutions. The plan was facilitated by the MVC and guided by a steering committee. Six thematic working groups made up of town representatives, Tribal members, NGO’s, businesses, and youth developed long term regional goals, objectives, priority actions, and measures of success.

Climate Action Plan

Engaging Our Community

Our plan was built from the ground up. Throughout our planning process we engaged businesses, policymakers, and residents to help shape the plan and get our community involved in climate action.  During the process, there were:

  • 40 planning meetings
  • 6 student led climate cafes,
  • 19 monthly outreach events
  • 1 tribal engagement workshop
  • 93 town staff presented to for feedback
  • 40 events during the Climate Action Week celebration with over 1400 participants.

Climate Action Plan

How You Can Help

The Vineyard Way is a community-based initiative, and your voice is important. Get involved!

All events and community engagement activities are posted and on the Island Climate Action Network website.
Make a tax deductible donation to the Climate Action Fund for climate adaption action in our community.
Martha's Vineyard Commission (MVC) is Dukes County regional planning agency.
Two kids hold a climate action protest sign that says "there is no planet b"

Climate Action Plan

The Plan's Foundation

This planning process built off the previous work completed by each Vineyard town and Gosnold. Beginning in 2018, each town engaged in MVP Community Resilience Building workshops to identify key vulnerabilities. Most towns have created energy/climate committees. All towns are engaged in the MA Green Communities Program, which assists towns in reducing their carbon footprints. All towns, the Tribe, the Martha’s Vineyard Commission, and many local organizations have received funding to address climate change resiliency.