{"id":904,"date":"2020-02-19T18:39:35","date_gmt":"2020-02-19T18:39:35","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/council.nyc.gov\/data\/?page_id=904"},"modified":"2023-03-27T14:50:02","modified_gmt":"2023-03-27T14:50:02","slug":"securing-our-future","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/council.nyc.gov\/data\/securing-our-future\/","title":{"rendered":"Securing Our Future"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The Climate Crisis<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Climate change is a global problem that impacts all of us. We have already seen its effects around the world, and right here in New York City: horrific fires in Australia and California; deadly heat waves across Europe; the catastrophic hurricanes that have wreaked havoc on our neighbors in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean; and Superstorm Sandy, which caused 43 deaths and $19 billion in damage in the five boroughs alone.<\/p>\n

We must act now and take aggressive measures to adapt to and mitigate climate change. The science is indisputable \u2013 if we don\u2019t make changes now to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and halt global warming, our planet will suffer long-standing and irreversible effects.<\/p>\n

Unfortunately, our federal government denies science and is callously looking to roll back important environmental protections nationwide. Not only is the Trump Administration postponing the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers study of coastal storm protections for New York and New Jersey, but the president of this country is also advising us to get out our \u201cmops and buckets\u201d rather than taking this problem seriously and helping us prepare for the future. The protection of our coastline is vital, and any delay in the study\u2019s completion puts millions of lives at risk.<\/p>\n

While we will continue to fight the federal government to combat damaging policies, New York City must continue to move forward with a local blueprint to address climate change. Already, we have taken bold action.<\/p>\n

We passed groundbreaking legislation ensuring that sustainability is a core principle of government operations, reducing building emissions, and developing a streets master plan that focuses on safe, sustainable modes of transportation.<\/p>\n

New York City also remains committed to the principles of the Paris Agreement, and we have joined together with other cities and countries in a global effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 80% by 2050.<\/p>\n

We will continue to do more.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\nWe need to build a more resilient city to withstand the rising sea level and extreme weather that is coming, and to protect both the neighborhoods that have already been hit hard and those that are at risk in the future. We need to transition from fossil fuels to clean, renewable energy. We need to transform ourselves into a circular economy, by designing waste out of our system. And we need to focus our efforts on building a robust pipeline for good paying green jobs.<\/p>\n

This report lays out strategies that New York City can pursue in the fight against climate change. New York City is and always has been a leader. The actions we take together will inspire communities across the world, and help us usher in a greener, healthier, and more equitable future for our City and our planet.<\/p>\n

<\/i> Read Report<\/a>
\n<\/i> Read Press Release<\/a><\/p>\n

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Join the Conversation <\/i> #BigGreenApple<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Summary of Recommendations<\/h3>\n

The policy proposals outlined in this report are steps the City can take to fight the climate crisis.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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\n Resiliency<\/a><\/div>\n

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Resiliency<\/h4>\n

The city must protect all neighborhoods from climate change.<\/p>\n

More Recommendations<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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\n Energy and Emissions<\/a><\/div>\n

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Energy and Emissions<\/h4>\n

The city must reduce GHG emissions and move toward a clean energy economy.<\/p>\n

More Recommendations<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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\n Circular Economy<\/a><\/div>\n

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Circular Economy<\/h4>\n

The City must reduce waste and pollution through increasing recycling and innovative design.<\/p>\n

More Recommendations<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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\n Green Jobs<\/a><\/div>\n

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Green Jobs Pipeline<\/h4>\n

The City must foster the growth of good paying, sustainable jobs.<\/p>\n

More Recommendations<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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\n Read all the Recommendations in the Sustainability report<\/a><\/em><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Resiliency<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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\n In the coming decades, climate change will have a significant impact on New York City, causing sea level rise, extreme heat, and heavy downpours.<\/p>\n

One major threat comes from the surrounding water. The city has approximately 520 miles of coastline – more shoreline mileage than the cities of Miami, Boston, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, combined. This makes the city vulnerable to the impacts of sea level rise, including: regular tidal flooding, coastal storm surges, and land inundation Moderate projections suggest the city could face monthly tidal flooding of some areas by the 2050s.<\/p>\n

Climate change is also expected to cause increased precipitation. Localized flooding already regularly occurs during rainfalls in which the local stormwater management system becomes overwhelmed, or poorly-maintained systems become clogged. There are neighborhoods where residents report that street flooding from downpour water alone has become \u201ca new normal\u201d after any rainstorm.<\/p>\n

The average daily maximum summer temperature in New York City has been rising since 1900 and it is projected that future heat waves will be longer, hotter, and more frequent. Extreme heat results in more deaths annually than any other type of extreme weather event and is exacerbated by the urban heat island effect, which can cause cities to be up to 22 degrees warmer than nearby suburban and rural fareas.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\nWhile availability of adequate cooling is important for every New Yorker, seniors, as well as persons with disabilities and persons with serious health conditions, are particularly vulnerable. Additionally, studies of prior heat waves have shown that Black people were disproportionately represented among those impacted, making up almost half of all heat-related deaths. The CDC emphasizes that every single heat-related death is preventable.<\/p>\n

Below is a map of heat disparity in New York City. This map, made using Landsat 8 Satellite data, captures surface temperature. It shows how trees, water, elevation, and permeable surfaces such as grass decrease temperatures across the city. Black tar roofs, pavement, and a lack of tree coverage result in higher temperatures. Parks across the city are among the coolest locales, while JFK, Southeast Queens and the Bronx are among the hottest areas.<\/p>\n

Resiliency is about preparedness. It is about strengthening our most socially and physically vulnerable infrastructure and neighborhoods. We can make New York City more resilient to climate change\u2019s hazards through thoughtful planning that is grounded in science, while engaging our communities in the process.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Temperatures in NYC<\/h5>\n

Visualizing Heat Distribution in NYC, in Deviations from Mean Temperature<\/p>\n

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