Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment
As our climate is changing, it is important for residents and businesses to understand how these changes will impact us and our natural surroundings here in Medford. The Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment (CCVA) outlines the hazards that climate change is expected to bring to our city, and reviews Medford’s strengths and vulnerabilities in relation to these hazards.
The original assessment was released in 2019 and an updated version was released in 2025.
CCVA Experience Page
As climate change accelerates, cities like Medford face growing risks from extreme heat, flooding, and sea level rise. This interactive platform presents the City of Medford’s updated Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment, a comprehensive analysis of how our community’s critical infrastructure, natural resources, and public services may be affected by climate-related hazards in the coming decades.
2025 Updates
This 2025 update builds on Medford’s 2019 Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment with some key updates:
- Expanded Framework: Vulnerability is assessed using three components—exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity.
- Updated Climate Data: MA Coastal Flood Risk Models (MC-FRM), updated FEMA data, and City specific urban heat island data reflect the latest science and local conditions.
- Revised Planning Horizons: The assessment focuses on 2050 and 2070 planning horizons aligning with mid- and long-term infrastructure planning needs.
- Enhanced Social Vulnerability Analysis: Updated demographic and Environmental Justice data reflect current community needs.
These updates intend to provide a comprehensive and actionable foundation for planning a resilient future for Medford.