Louise Yeung has spent ten years in New York City government, working on critical climate projects. She helped rebuild infrastructure after Hurricane Sandy, made streets more resilient, and ensured the city’s investments aligned with climate goals.
Now, as the chief climate officer under Mayor Zohran Mamdani, Yeung wants people to see how climate change affects their everyday lives. “Climate change impacts safety, health, and dignity,” she says. It disproportionately hurts environmental justice communities, where people face issues like flooding and pollution. Yeung plays a vital role in improving their lives.
At the Mayor’s Office for Climate and Environmental Justice, Yeung leads teams working on various climate initiatives. These include making buildings stronger and boosting renewable energy projects. Her office oversees the New York City Panel on Climate Change, which provides crucial climate forecasts.
In an interview with Inside Climate News, Yeung reflected on her journey. Drawing from her experience, she understands how to translate climate policy into practical solutions. She highlights the importance of accountability, climate finance, and strategic investments, ensuring a holistic approach to climate challenges.
Yeung’s team collaborates with numerous city departments. Recently, they announced an investment to expand a heat pump program for low-income housing. This demonstrates the many ways her office is actively involved in city-wide climate initiatives.
Her focus also includes connecting climate issues with labor, economic justice, and housing. Deputy Mayor Julie Su’s vision for workers’ rights aligns well with the goal of creating a green economy, showing the inseparable links between climate change and social justice.
Environmental justice has not always been a priority across city departments. Yeung is determined to change that. She notes that a recent environmental justice report highlighted the ongoing effects of pollution and disinvestment on communities of color. Building on this, her office is developing a new environmental justice plan. This will help ensure that policies reflect the needs of marginalized communities.
The intersection of climate and housing is another critical area. Many high-risk areas for flooding also house low-income communities. For instance, during Hurricane Ida in 2021, most flooding-related deaths involved people living in basement apartments, mostly immigrants. Yeung emphasizes that affordable housing must be safe, resilient, and accessible.
Traffic and air quality are also concerns, especially in neighborhoods like the Bronx. The city has seen improvements since introducing congestion pricing, which has reduced traffic and pollution. Yeung supports further efforts, such as promoting public transportation and even exploring water-based transport to relieve road congestion.
Flooding remains a pressing issue as climate change brings more extreme weather. Yeung believes it’s essential to think broadly about climate risks. After Hurricane Sandy, billions were invested in flood protection, but the subsequent Hurricane Ida highlighted that inland communities are also at risk from climate events. Her office aims to take a comprehensive approach, considering all potential climate threats when designing new infrastructure.
Yeung is committed to integrating climate considerations into all areas of city policy, from housing to labor rights. “Climate change affects daily life,” she stresses. Ensuring that climate action is embedded in every decision is crucial for building a safer, healthier future for all New Yorkers.
As we move forward, it’s vital that all city projects incorporate strong climate guidelines. Regular maintenance and strategic planning will ensure these initiatives stand the test of time. Yeung’s work is a clear reminder that addressing climate change is not just an environmental issue; it’s about improving lives and providing dignity to all New Yorkers.
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