A territory rich in natural resources
The region's prosperity has been based in part on fishing (and aquaculture), which is still an important sector, notably with the port activity of New Bedford, a former whaling port. However, global warming is threatening both fish stocks and terrestrial environments. The forest was cleared on a massive scale in the 19th century, mainly for agricultural purposes. Today, wood is mainly used for the paper industry and heating. Forest cover, which stood at 30% in the mid-19th century, now represents over 70% of the land area. Autumn, in particular, has seen the emergence of a whole network of gîtes and accommodation to welcome leaf peepers, visitors from all over the world who come to admire this very special moment when the sap stops flowing through the leaves, revealing colors ranging from yellow to purple. While the Atlantic Ocean influences the climate, we mustn't forget that New England is also a region of mountains: the Green Mountains of Vermont, the White Mountains of New Hampshire, the Berkshire Mountains of Massachusetts, as well as part of the Appalachian Mountains. The splendor of the landscape in every season and the variety of natural spaces in the region are sure to appeal to many a traveler.
Parc national d'Acadie (Acadia National Park) : this protected area is located on Mount Desert Island, named by Samuel Champlain when he discovered it. The park encompasses a wide variety of environments: mountains, forests, lakes and beaches. It lends itself wonderfully to hiking and biking.
Cape Cod National Seashore : located on the Massachusetts peninsula, this site is home to both picturesque landscapes and fragile ecosystems. President Kennedy is credited with protecting the area from land development. The peninsula can be explored on foot or by bicycle, and whale-watching excursions are available by boat. Cape Cod is also the birthplace of the country's oldest oceanographic research center, Woods Hole, which is still in operation.
White Mountains National Forest: part of the Appalachian Mountains, the White Mountains run through New Hampshire and Maine. Mount Washington, at an altitude of 1,916 metres, is the highest and most tempestuous peak in the eastern United States. Popular with Bostonians in search of fresh air, the mountains are criss-crossed by numerous hiking trails, including the Appalachian Trail.
In the footsteps of Henry David Thoreau
Maine is undeniably linked to the life and work of Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862). A philosopher and humanist, Thoreau's anti-slavery stance, highlighted in his work On Civil Disobedience, has had a universal influence, notably on Gandhi and Martin Luther King. He is also considered one of the precursors of ecological thought. Following in the footsteps of poet and philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson, another important New England figure, he was one of the exponents 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 cabin he had built near Walden Pond. Published in 1854, Walden or Life in the Woods has gone down in history as a key work that has inspired and continues to inspire many thinkers. The book Les Forêts du Maine, the fruit of his forest walks, reveals a solid botanical knowledge and ethnological sensibility. A haven of nature and a place of memory associated with Henry David Thoreau, Walden Pond is open to visitors in 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, flooding, heat waves), the decline of fish species, and the inexorable phenomenon of rising sea levels. The city has taken steps to limit global warming (i.e., reduce greenhouse gas emissions) and is considering ways of mitigating its consequences (e.g., raising the height of streets or erecting barriers around harbor buildings). Energy consumption (residential and tertiary) and transport remain particularly emissive sectors. A self-service bicycle system has been deployed, and hybrid buses have been on the road since 2010. Tax incentives have also been introduced to encourage the purchase of hybrid vehicles by private individuals. However, there are still too many private cars on the road. Decarbonizing transport requires a significant shift towards non-motorized modes, and a proactive policy in this direction. Boston has also invested in renewable energies (solar) and energy-efficient building technologies (ventilation, cogeneration, etc.). It was the first city in the USA to impose environmental standards on developers for new buildings. In a city with a sizeable stock of older buildings, the question arises as to the thermal rehabilitation of existing structures. If the city wants to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, it will have to take strong, multi-sectoral action. In terms of waste management, the city has set up a selective collection system, accompanied by awareness-raising tools. Boston GreenFest, an annual festive event, promotes environmental initiatives and innovations. Visitors to Boston will find a wide range of organic products (including food and clothing), organic and/or vegan restaurants and ecofriendly accommodation. They can also take advantage of services and facilities to discover the city on foot or by bike (tourist itineraries accessible to active mobility).
