Chelsea at MIT Sea Grant Symposium



Left to Right: Leo Robinson, John DePriest, John Bolduc

Being able to attend MIT Sea Grant’s climate change symposium on sustaining coastal cities was truly a wonderful opportunity. In addition to learning so much about climate change and what actions can be taken to lessen its impacts, I gained a greater connection to the IQP project. One of the speakers at the first day of the symposium, Leo Robinson, the city councillor of Chelsea, MA, made a speech that allowed people to really get to know his city. Even without the use of a slideshow presentation like many had used, Mr. Robinson painted a beautiful picture of Chelsea, its community, and its important connection to the water. He explained the importance of the city’s ties to the water and the need for action to prevent devastation from climate change. It was a sincere speech that made me truly care about the city that we will be working with, and it gave me even more excitement to work on this project with my group. Talking to Mr. Robinson after the first day of the symposium had concluded, he seemed grateful for the work our group was planning on doing and had a great sense of pride for the city. He invited us to contact him whenever we are in Chelsea and offered to give us a tour of his city. Hopefully we get the opportunity to meet up with him this coming term.

I recommend watching Mr. Robinson’s speech regarding Chelsea, MA and climate change to experience his words yourselves here: