Climate Smart Communities

Two reports released this week warn of dire impacts of new record-high levels of heat-trapping greenhouse gases in the Earth’s atmosphere. Swift, strong measures to control emissions — and the resulting increase in average global temperature — are urgently needed, scientists say. A state DEC official came to Riverhead Monday night to discuss what needs to be done locally.

Riverhead Town has taken a pledge to become a “climate-smart” community, joining seven other Suffolk County towns in a statewide program aimed at helping communities reduce greenhouse gas emissions, conserve energy and prepare to deal with the impacts of climate change.