Climate Change in Massachusetts Impacting Fruit Crops and Sleep Quality

Dec 04, 2023

By Alexi Cohan

For about 12,000 years, Earth's climate didn't change. Now, climate change impacts our present and threatens our future.

That's according to Spencer Glendon, the founder of climate literacy initiative Probable Futures, who spoke to GBH's Greater Boston.

Glendon said here in Massachusetts and beyond, climate change is impacting sleep and fruit.

At night, humans need to cool down to sleep well, but nights are getting hot faster than days are, and we are experiencing more "tropical nights" above 68 degrees.

"It means that people aren't sleeping as well; it also means people are going to start demanding HVAC equipment to have air conditioning when they didn't used to," Glendon said, adding that hot weather is particularly tough on kids who need a good night's sleep before school.

When it comes to fruit here in the Bay State, Glendon noted that trees need a strong signal that winter has come and gone. This year, that signal was impacted by climate, and there were no stone fruit crops in Massachusetts.

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Video: Why Port Infrastructure is Key to Growing Canada's Farms and Economy

Grain Farmers of Ontario (GFO) knows that strong, modern port infrastructure is vital to the success of Canada’s agriculture. When our ports grow, Ontario grain farmers and Canadian farms grow too—and when we grow, Canada grows.

In this video, we highlight the importance of investing in port infrastructure and how these investments are key to growing Ontario agriculture and supporting global trade. The footage showcases the strength of both Ontario’s farming landscapes and vital port operations, including some key visuals from HOPA Ports, which we are grateful to use in this project.

Ontario’s grain farmers rely on efficient, sustainable ports and seaway systems to move grain to markets around the world. Port investments are crucial to increasing market access, driving economic growth, and ensuring food security for all Canadians.

Why Port Infrastructure Matters:

Investing in Ports = Investing in Farms: Modernized ports support the export of Canadian grain, driving growth in agriculture.

Sustainable Growth: Learn how stronger ports reduce environmental impact while boosting economic stability.

Global Trade Opportunities: Improved port and seaway systems help farmers access new global markets for their grain.

Stronger Communities: Investment in ports means more stable jobs and economic growth for rural communities across Ontario and Canada.

We are proud to support the ongoing investment in port infrastructure and to shine a light on its vital role in feeding the world and securing a prosperous future for Canadian agriculture.

Special thanks to HOPA Ports for providing some of the stunning port footage featured in this video.