Climate Change News: New York City

The New York City Council Committee on Resiliency and Waterfronts held an oversight hearing to coincide with the eighth anniversary of Superstorm Sandy. NYLCV testified that while the steps taken by the City have been critical for affected communities, New York needs to establish its own resiliency plan for future emergencies rather than rely on federal emergency funding.

Climate activists recently showed us just exactly how soon we can expect impacts of climate change through their installation of the Climate Clock in Union Square - a clock broadcasting the exact amount of time we have to curb greenhouse gas emissions before we face a climate catastrophe.

The economic impact of COVID-19 has led New York City to delay or abandon key aspects of its plan to fight climate change.

The Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) has established New York’s ambitious and comprehensive climate and clean energy law. One of the main goals of the Act is to move the state toward achieving the 2040 Zero Emission Target.

Last week, Mayor de Blasio and the City Council finalized the City budget, which drastically cuts environmental programs that are needed to combat climate change and fight for climate justice.

New York City's hot summer weather poses health risks for residents, including dehydration, heat stroke, and respiratory and cardiovascular issues. City government must work to provide cooling assistance to the most vulnerable.

With children spending more time indoors in unsafe housing and with well visits to doctors on the decline, the risk of exposure to lead may be rising. NYLCV and its allies recently sent a letter to NYC leaders urging them to remain vigilant and to consider not cutting this public health program.

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, we launched our New York City Climate Action Tracker. This powerful digital tool follows the city’s progress on its climate goals as outlined in Mayor de Blasio’s OneNYC plan.