Climate Action in Coastal Cities: A Conversation with Civic Leaders

WHAT: The Lowell Lecture Series at the New England Aquarium presents an in-depth conversation about the impacts of a changing environment on coastal cities with civic officials from across the U.S. From sea level rise and flooding to infrastructure vulnerability, the need for physical and social resilience is urgent. How can decision-makers in coastal cities work to safeguard and build vibrant public realms for all? Hear what municipal leaders from major cities on the East and West Coasts are doing to better prepare their communities for extreme weather, rising seas, changing air quality, and more.

WHEN: Thursday, May 14, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. with a cash bar available.

WHERE: In person at the New England Aquarium’s Simons Theatre, 1 Central Wharf, Boston. The lecture will also be livestreamed via Zoom.

HOW: Register here for in-person and virtual attendance to the event. Advance registration is required. This New England Aquarium Lowell Lecture Series event is free to the public and presented through the generosity of the Lowell Institute.

WHO:

• Moderator Luz Arregoces is Director of Community Engagement at the New England Aquarium. In this role, Arregoces leads the Aquarium’s effort to create a downtown waterfront that is resilient, inclusive, and accessible. She focuses on making genuine and meaningful connections throughout the community and creating trust with visitors, families, and local government. Previously, Arregoces worked as Director of Programs at the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce. While overseeing the planning and execution of over 100 annual programs and events, Arregoces’ specific portfolio of programs focused on government affairs and urban planning. Arregoces has a Bachelor’s degree in Communication from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and a Master’s degree in City Planning from Boston University. Originally from Cape Cod, she now resides in Quincy.
• Sara Cubillos is the Climate Justice Director at Seattle’s Office of Sustainability and Environment (OSE), where she leads equity‑centered climate investments and strategies, including Seattle’s Climate Action Plan Update and the First People’s Climate Fund. With over a decade of leadership in environmental justice, she has shaped major initiatives such as OSE’s Equity & Environment Agenda and Shape Our Water at Seattle Public Utilities. Cubillos brings a deep expertise at the intersection of climate, infrastructure, and racial equity. She is currently a Fulcrum Fellow at the Center for Community Investment.
• Loren Parra is the Director of the Department of Environmental Resources Management and Chief Resilience Officer for Miami-Dade County, where she leads countywide efforts to protect natural resources and safeguard public health through science-based policy, regulatory compliance, and community-focused education. A seasoned organizational leader with deep expertise in environmental policy and science communication, Parra brings more than a decade of experience spanning the U.S. Senate and prominent environmental organizations, including The Everglades Foundation. She holds a BA in Political Science and Sustainability Studies and an MBA from the University of Florida. Parra resides in Coral Gables, FL.

• Brian Swett is the City of Boston’s first Chief Climate Officer. In addition to overseeing the Environment, Energy and Open Space Cabinet (EEOS), as Chief Climate Officer, Swett is charged with spearheading the Mayor’s bold agenda on climate action throughout the City while advancing Boston’s commitment to sustainability, resilience, and environmental justice. Swett is a nationally recognized leader in climate change and sustainability strategy with over two decades of leadership experience in municipal government, private sector real estate development, federal government, and the non-profit sector. Prior to accepting the role as Chief Climate Officer, Swett served as a Principal at Arup, a global engineering, design and consulting firm focused on sustainable development. Most recently he served as their Americas East Leader and a member of the Americas Region Board.

MEDIA CONTACT: Pam Bechtold Snyder—psnyder@neaq.org