Boston GreenFest Puts Focus on Climate Change, Real Solutions

By David Ertischek

Entering its sixth year, Boston GreenFest 2013 will entertain and educate with music from countries around the globe and a variety of exhibits on fashion, cars, robots, art, poetry, dance, tai chi and more.

The annual event, sponsored by the Foundation for a Green Future, is an opportunity for Charlestown residents to learn about ways to save money while doing more for their families, neighborhood and city.  

"Everyone hears about climate change, but no one wants to believe it," said Dr. Karen Weber, executive director of the Foundation for a Green Future. "We felt it this winter when it snowed so much and we felt it [this summer] when it was hotter than it ever was in Boston. We see it when there are more tornados than ever—even in Massachusetts—and super storms like Sandy. Yet, once these things pass, we forget and go right back to doing what we always did, trying to tell ourselves that we don’t need to make any changes."

Weber said things will get worse unless people begin to take climate change seriously. 

"We always expect other people to make the changes. Oh, the scientists will find a solution. Oh, companies will make a product to fix it. This is not about one solution or one way out of the mess. We all made the mess and we need to clean it up—together," Weber said.

This year, Boston GreenFest will be held at Boston City Hall Plaza on Thursday through Saturday, Aug. 15-17. 

See bostongreenfest.org for more information.