Climate advocates in New York City were excited when Zohran Mamdani became mayor. He’s been a strong opponent of gas infrastructure and sees climate action as key to making the city more affordable. Now, these advocates are watching to see how he tackles major issues like flooding, heat, and pollution.
In his inaugural speech, Mamdani emphasized facing challenges like blizzards and floods together. The responsibility for tackling these pressing climate issues largely falls on his administration, a challenge they must meet head-on.
A recent city report on environmental justice states that nearly half of New Yorkers live in areas burdened by pollution and other environmental hazards. These communities, often low-income and predominantly people of color, need urgent attention and action. Under local law, the city must create a plan to alleviate these environmental challenges.
Summer Sandoval, who contributed to the environmental justice report, advocates for more clean energy initiatives in these neighborhoods. Many of these areas face severe air pollution due to highways and gas power plants. “Access to clean and affordable energy can improve people’s lives significantly,” she said.
During Eric Adams’ tenure, the city made strides in supporting clean energy by expanding solar panel installations and launching programs like the Blue Highways Pilot Program to reduce truck pollution. Advocacy groups are now pushing for 1% of the city’s budget to go to the Department of Parks and Recreation. Historically neglected parks in low-income communities receive less maintenance, while wealthier areas benefit from independent nonprofit funding.
Federal funding for environmental justice has declined, especially after shifts in administration. Sandoval believes that New York can mobilize state and local resources to keep pushing for necessary changes. “The city shouldn’t be held back by federal cuts,” she asserted.
Flooding remains a critical issue in New York, especially following the devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy in 2012, which resulted in 44 deaths and over $19 billion in damages. Recent estimates suggest that due to climate change, areas like New York City could see significant housing loss—up to 82,000 units—due to chronic flooding by 2040.
The city is working on plans to protect neighborhoods from storm surge, such as the Big U project to shield lower Manhattan. There are also initiatives to raise waterfront parks, making them more resilient to flooding. Advocates highlight the importance of combining green spaces and hard infrastructure to effectively mitigate flood risks.
However, experts like Rob Freudenberg, of the Regional Plan Association, emphasize that New York must unify its flood management strategies. He believes a neighborhood-focused approach will better address increasing flooding issues and promote comprehensive planning.
As for the city’s building decarbonization efforts, Local Law 97 mandates decreasing greenhouse gas emissions from large buildings, with more stringent limits on the horizon. About 92% of buildings are on track to meet initial goals, but many owners worry about compliance costs. Chris Halfnight of the Urban Green Council is monitoring Mamdani’s strategies to make compliance easier and more affordable.
Climate advocates and city residents are awaiting Mamdani’s decisions on these pressing issues. As Ulfelder from The Nature Conservancy stated, “Climate change is the big challenge New York City faces, and it demands a coordinated response.” How well the new administration navigates these interconnected challenges will greatly impact the city’s future resilience and livability.
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