Brookline Adopts 10-Year Climate Action Plan Targeting Net-Zero by 2050
Brookline's freshly adopted Climate Action and Resiliency Plan is the talk of the week, charting a path to net-zero emissions by 2050, while the public schools wrap up weather make-up days and the library lines up a run of summer programs.
TOWN HALL
Brookline has formally adopted a 2026 Climate Action and Resiliency Plan, a comprehensive 10-year strategy aimed at reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The plan was developed by the Department of Public Works' Sustainability and Natural Resources Division and builds on the town's existing Climate Leader Community designation from the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources — a recognition the state awarded for Brookline's sustained commitment to climate action.
Residents can also plan ahead for the next household hazardous waste drop-off, scheduled for Tuesday, June 30, at the Brookline Transfer Station, 815 Newton Street. Accepted materials include batteries, lightbulbs, oil-based paint, mercury-containing products, and fuels; small electronics and tires are also accepted. The facility may adjust its schedule for inclement weather — check the DPW webpage before heading over.
Also on June 30: the Brookline Summer Eats Kickoff Party. No additional details were available from town sources at press time.
Dog owners should note that green dog hours at Harry Downes Field are suspended this Saturday, June 28, due to permitted sports events.
SCHOOLS
Brookline Public Schools students are in make-up days this week: weather cancellation make-ups run Friday, June 27, through Sunday, June 29. Check the district calendar at brookline.k12.ma.us for any final-day updates.
COMMUNITY & ARTS
The Brookline Public Library has a busy stretch ahead. This Saturday, June 27, the Coolidge Corner branch hosts **Worlds in Words**, a creative writing workshop for tweens ages 10–13 designed to build writing skills and spark imagination.
On Monday, June 29, the Coolidge Corner Library holds a **Pride Button Making** drop-in, offering supplies to create buttons featuring a range of Pride flags and pronouns. Then on Tuesday, June 30, the library welcomes author Jennifer Welborn — a former science teacher — for a reading of her award-winning STEM picture book *Dr. Rosie Helps the Animals*, paired with a stuffed animal vet clinic for young readers. Wednesday, July 1 brings a **Pride Storytime and Craft** to cap off Pride Month with rainbow-themed books and a craft project.
All three library locations will be **closed Friday, July 3, and Saturday, July 4** for Independence Day.
ELSEWHERE IN THE NEWS
Brookline Patch covered the climate plan from the town angle: "Brookline Approves New 10-Year Climate Action And Resiliency Plan" — the piece focuses on the DPW's Sustainability and Natural Resources Division as the plan's author, per Brookline Patch (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/brookline).
A follow-up morning digest elaborated on what the plan could mean day-to-day: "🌱 Patch AM: How Brookline's new 10-year climate plan could change daily life" — the newsletter examines potential practical impacts on residents, per Brookline Patch (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/brookline).
Patch also published a holiday guide: "2026 July 4 Events Guide For Brookline" — a roundup of fireworks, parades, and other celebrations of America's 250th anniversary in and around town, per Brookline Patch (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/brookline).
COMING UP
- **Sat., June 27** — Worlds in Words tween creative writing workshop, Coolidge Corner Library - **Sat., June 27** — Harry Downes Field green dog hours suspended (permitted sports) - **Mon., June 29** — Pride Button Making drop-in, Coolidge Corner Library - **Tue., June 30** — Household Hazardous Waste drop-off, Brookline Transfer Station, 815 Newton St. - **Tue., June 30** — Summer Storytime with children's librarian Leah, Brookline Public Library - **Tue., June 30** — Brookline Summer Eats Kickoff Party - **Tue., June 30** — Dr. Rosie Helps the Animals book reading and stuffed animal vet clinic, library - **Wed., July 1** — Pride Storytime and Craft, library - **Fri., July 3 – Sat., July 4** — All library branches closed for Independence Day