A territory rich in natural resources
The prosperity of the territory has been based in part on fishing (and aquaculture), which is still an important sector, with the port activity of New Bedford, a former whaling port. However, ongoing global warming threatens both fish stocks and the land environment. The forest was massively cleared in the 19th century, notably for agricultural purposes. Today, wood is mainly exploited for the paper industry and heating. Forest cover, which was 30% in the mid-19th century, now represents more than 70% of the territory. Autumn, in particular, has brought a whole network of gîtes and accommodation to bloom to welcome the "leaf peepers", visitors who come from all over to admire this very special moment when the sap stops circulating in the leaves and reveals the colours of a colour chart ranging from yellow to purple. If the Atlantic Ocean influences the climate, we must not forget that New England is also a region with mountains: Green Mountains of Vermont, White Mountains of New Hampshire, Berkshire Mountains of Massachusetts, but also part of the Appalachians. The splendour of the landscapes in all seasons and the variety of natural spaces of the territory have something to seduce more than one traveller.
AcadiaNational Park: this protected area is located on Mount Desert Island, named by Samuel Champlain when he discovered it. The park includes a great diversity of environments: mountains, forests, lakes and beaches. It lends itself wonderfully well to hiking and biking.
Cape Cod National Seashore : located on the Massachusetts Peninsula, the site is home to picturesque landscapes but also fragile ecosystems. President Kennedy initiated the protection of this area to protect it from land pressure. Walking and cycling routes allow visitors to discover the peninsula, and boat trips are offered for whale watching. Cape Cod is also home to the oldest oceanographic research centre in the country, Woods Hole, which is still in operation.
White Mountains National Forest: The White Mountains are part of the Appalachian Mountains and run through New Hampshire and Maine. Mount Washington, located at an altitude of 1,916 metres, is the highest and most stormy point in the eastern United States. Very popular with Bostonians in search of fresh air, it is crisscrossed by numerous hiking trails, including the Appalachian Trail.
In the footsteps of Henry David Thoreau
Maine is undeniably linked to the work and life of Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862). A philosopher and humanist, his anti-slavery stance, highlighted in his work On Civil Disobedience , found universal scope, influencing Gandhi and Martin Luther King in particular. He is also considered as one of the precursors of environmentalist thought. In the movement of the poet and philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson, another important figure of New England, he was one of the representatives of American transcendentalism, a cultural and philosophical movement that postulates the goodness of Man and Nature. In 1845 he spent almost two years in autarky in a hut he built near Walden's pond. Published in 1854, Walden or Life in the Woods , goes down in history as a key work, which has inspired and still inspires many thinkers. The book entitled The Forests of Maine, the fruit of his walks in the woods, gives us a glimpse of his solid botanical knowledge and ethnological sensitivity. A haven of nature, a place of remembrance associated with Henry David Thoreau, Walden Pond is open to visitors at Concord.
Boston's response to the climate challenge
Boston is preparing for climate change, the most likely manifestations of which are the occurrence of extreme events (floods, floods, heat waves), the decline of fish species, and the inexorable phenomenon of rising sea levels. The city has put in place actions to limit global warming (i.e. to reduce greenhouse gas emissions) and is considering how to mitigate its consequences (raising the height of the streets or erecting barriers in the port buildings). Energy consumption (residential-tertiary) and transport remain particularly emissive sectors. A self-service bicycle system has been deployed, and hybrid buses have been in circulation since 2010. Tax incentives have also been introduced to encourage the purchase of hybrid vehicles for private individuals. However, the individual car is still too common. Decarbonising transport requires a significant shift towards non-motorised modes and a proactive policy to this end. Boston has also invested in renewable energies (solar) and technologies aimed at the energy efficiency of buildings (ventilation, cogeneration, etc.). It was the first city in the United States to impose environmental standards on developers for new construction. In a city with a significant amount of old buildings, the question of thermal rehabilitation of existing buildings is a major issue. A city that wishes to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 will therefore have to deploy strong, multi-sectoral actions. In terms of waste management, the city has set up selective collection, accompanied by awareness-raising tools. The Boston GreenFest, an annual and festive event, promotes environmental approaches and innovations. Travellers visiting Boston can easily find a wide range of organic products (including food and clothing), eat in organic and/or vegan restaurants, and be welcomed in "ecofriendly" accommodation. They will also be able to take advantage of the services and facilities for discovering the city on foot and by bicycle (tourist itineraries accessible to active mobility).
