Northeastern researchers propose ‘Emerald Tutu’ to protect Boston from flooding

July 6, 2022

Scientists envision a network of vegetation-friendly mats arranged in Boston Harbor.

As climate change worsens and the risk of flooding becomes more apparent in Boston, researchers are hard at work on an innovative project that could protect the city. 

Dubbed the Emerald Tutu — a riff on Frederick Law Olmsted’s iconic chain of green spaces known as the Emerald Necklace — the project is being developed by a team at Northeastern University. The idea is to place a network of environmentally-friendly circular mats of vegetation in the waters around Boston. 

The mats would be arranged in rings, designed to protect the coastline from rising sea levels and storm surges, according to the university. In addition, offshore walkways would weave through the mats, adding more recreational green space to the area. 

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